ALFIE Seeley made a dream debut for Keighley Cougars at the weekend, scoring with his first touch against Newcastle Thunder, and head coach Craig Lingard was impressed with how the youngster handled the occasion.

Seeley's try just before the break put his side 14-6 ahead at Cougar Park, and they went on to record an impressive 24-16 victory, to end a run of three consecutive defeats.

Praising Seeley's contribution to the win, Lingard said: "I'm pleased for Alfie because there was a lot of pressure on him.

"People have been wanting him to play in the first team at Cougars for years. It's alright doing well in amateur rugby but this is a whole different level.

"We wanted him to relax so we gave him free rein to play his natural game on Sunday. It worked and I'm delighted for him to not only make his debut, but score a try with his first touch.

"The seconds and youngsters in general have been great and Aaron Levy, who was the reserve captain, has done particularly well since he came into our side."

Josh Lynam was another player who starred in the win, scoring a first half try for Cougars, and Lingard waxed lyrical about the second-rower, who has endured a difficult season.

He said: "Josh was missing for about 10-12 weeks with injury and we were hoping to ease him back into action with the reserves.

"With everything that went on over the summer though, he came back early and he's put in 80 minutes in every game since, which is a phenomenal effort.

"He's a Keighley lad as well, and he has a real affinity for the club and the area. I think it's important to have a few players like that in your side."