Cougars target ‘massive’ finish

MARK McCULLY: Strengthening the Roughyeds line-up.

EXPECT a fierce battle for supremacy when Keighley Cougars visit the Whitebank on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

Oldham coach Tony Benson, frustrated last time out in a narrow defeat at London Skolars, is targeting wins in his side's five remaining games.

His opposite number, Jason Demetriou — a former Wakefield Super League stalwart, likely to line up at loose forward — wants a similar outcome from his side. Demetriou even feels his team could still take the title

“Finishing top is still out of our hands — Swinton are in control and five points clear," he said.

"But if we can win our next two and then do well at Swinton, that will set up a massive finish.

“But all our focus for the last fortnight has been on Oldham. We've got six massive matches, but we'll take them one at a time.”

Oldham have recently been boosted by several new signings and the likes of Mark McCully, Danny Bravo and Callum Casey have all had a big impact on the side over the last few weeks.

Keighley's hand has also been strengthened recently by a top-class addition.

Dave Halley put in a starring performance for Cougars last time out as they saw off visiting Co-operative Championship One leaders Swinton.

The full-back was released from his contract five months early by Super League side Bradford Bulls after a knee reconstruction saw him frozen out of the first-team picture.

In his first game for the club, Halley was awarded the 'Gamestar' award by League Express for his role in the 35-30 win over Swinton at Cougar Park. The 24-year-old didn't cross the line himself, but was involved in the build-up to a number of tries.

Former Roughyeds forward Chris Baines, now in his second season with the West Yorkshire club, scored four of his five kicks at goal in the game, the other coming from promising former London Skolars stand-off Jy-Mel Coleman.

Keighley, who defeated Oldham 28-26 in the 2009 play-off final to gain their last promotion, have won their last two games on home soil following on from successive away defeats to London Skolars and South Wales.