Rochdale Hornets 14 - 40 Keighley Cougars

Rochdale Hornets were taught a lesson by Keighley Cougars in their first pre-season outing in January at Cougar Park, but Ian Talbot's men had vowed to avenge that mauling.

In the first half it seemed possible as Fiji International Ryan Millard and powerhouse outside back Sam Te'o added steel to the Hornets side.

However, Cougars stepped up their game and taught Hornets another lesson as they dominated the second half, attacking at will.

Hornets got off to a good start with two tries from Gareth Langley.

Langley went  in at the corner for his first and then got on the end of a cross field kick to go over for a superb second.

Paul Crook failed to add the extras on both occassions.

Cougars were spurred into action and, following a period of sustained pressure, opened their account through Paul Handforth. Handforth's conversion was successful bringing Cougars back within two points of Hornets.

Hornets were quick to respond after Keighley fluffed the kick off and Ryan Millard put through a perfect grubber for Matt Dawson. Crook was successful with his third attempt.

With half time approaching, Hornets indiscipline gave Cougars the opportunity to close the eight point gap as Cougars gained field position courtesy of back-to-back penalties and Paul White went over out wide. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 14 - 10 Keighley Cougars

Early in the second half Cougars took the lead for the first time as a Paul White and a Paul Handforth conversion gave them a two point lead, and from that point on never looked back.

Cougars stepped up the pressure and quickly increased their lead as White went over for his third try of the game. Handforth failed with his conversion attempt but Cougars had stretched their lead to six points.

With Cougars dominating possession it came as no surprise when Paul March barged over in a last tackle play. Handforth added the extras.

The game was over as a contest when Cougars opened the gap to sixteen points as Paul White scored his fourth try of the game. Handforth missed the conversion.

Hornets were on the ropes as Cougars kept up the pressure and Lewis Graham scored Cougars seventh try following an excellent break by Paul March. Handforth added the extras to take Cougars twenty two points clear.

Cougars added to Hornets fans misery with a James Craven try on the hooter.

Rochdale Hornets: Sean Casey, Gareth Langley, Danny Davies, Matty Dawson, Sam Te'o, Paul Crook, Ryan Millard, Anthony Walker, James Dandy, Warren Thompson, Joe Greenwood, Mark Flanagan, Tony Suffolk.

Replacements: Connor Dwyer, Jordan Case, John Cookson, Ste Marsh.

Keighley Cougars: James Craven, Richie Barnett, Elliot Cosgrove, Danny Lawton, Paul White, Danny Jones, Paul Handforth, Andy Schickel, Luke Haigh, Sean Hesketh, Josh Lynam, Brendan Rawlings, Ash Lindsay.

Replacements: Paul March, Jodie Sheriffe, Neil Cherryholme, Lewis Graham.

Referee: Mr T Crashley