Cougars gear up for run at the play-offs

3:49pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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Keighley Cougars' head coach Barry Eaton has been happy with the club's successful league season but he and his squad now have their eyes firmly fixed on the first round of the play-offs.

Although they won their final league game 18-14 at London Skolars last Friday, Doncaster won their final two games to move above the Cougars into fourth place in National League Two.

�It�s like a cup tie - one loss and you�re out. The idea of favourites goes out the window. The best team on the day will play the week after.�

Keighley Cougars' head coach Barry Eaton

That now means Doncaster play at Oldham for a place in the Grand Final, a game which will decide the third team in the league to be promoted.

Whichever team loses that game will play the winners of a play-off between fifth through eight placed clubs featuring Keighley, York, Rochdale and Workington.

The Cougars play Workington at Cougar Park, kick-off 3pm, while York host Rochdale tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm.

Eaton said: "I would have loved to finish fourth but we've still had a great season.

"It's been fantastic the fans have had something to cheer about this year."

Sunday's game will be the Cougars' first play-off appearance since 2003.

Eaton and the Cougars are desperate to make their season even more successful with a play-off run but the coach issued a warning about the unpredictable nature of the play-offs.

"It's like a cup tie - one loss and you're out. The idea of favourites goes out the window. The best team on the day will play the week after."

The Cougars have already played Workington four times this season, twice in the Northern Rail Cup and twice in the league. Keighley have won all four matches.

Eaton said: "We've had four tough games against Workington. They are a tough, physical side who offload the ball well.

"Workington will be feeling this is their most important game of the year."

The Cougars will be go into Sunday with an unsettled situation at hooker.

Both their hookers, James Feather (knee) and Jermain Wray (dead leg) suffered injuries and had to leave the game against London last Sunday.

That left Craig Fawcett to play the position, and while Eaton said he played well he is more comfortable at his preferred No 7 position.

If both Feather and Wray are unable to play, Eaton could play himself at hooker, which was the position he played for Widnes in the Super League.

Eaton is also hoping that Danny Jones will be able to return after missing out against London because of groin strain.