New rugby team forms in Keighley

4:33pm Thursday 21st August 2008

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A new Keighley-based rugby league team is set for its first official match in the Yorkshire League.

Keighley Pumas have been formed by former Cowling player Keith Dawson, 47, and have approached local businesses for sponsorship with some success. The Dog & Gun at Glusburn, whose licensees Ross and Anita Walker have two sons in the team, have sponsored the home kit and Keith himself sponsored the away kit.

Dawson said: "We have been accepted by the Yorkshire League and are looking forward to our first match, against Heckmondwyke, on September 6.

"The team started with four players three months ago and we now have more than 20, with a target of around 30.

"It's an open age group, from 16 upwards, and at the moment I'm the oldest at 47," he added.

The team is affiliated to the Cougar Cubs at Keighley, and Dawson's idea was to form a team for those players who did not make the U-18 or Academy sides.

"It's a continuation of the Cubs and gives these players somewhere to go to," he said.

The Pumas train at the St John's Road ground in Keighley on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.00pm to 7.30pm under well-known local coaches John Langdale and Martin Whiteley.

New recruits are still being sought, and anyone interested should contact Keith Dawson on 07976 365373 or John Langdale on 07756 767207.