COUGARS chairman Gary Fawcett has applauded the team’s start to the season – but believes Sunday’s visit of Rochdale will be their sternest test yet.

Paul March’s side top the table with eight wins from nine games and now host the Hornets, who are two points behind in second spot.

Fawcett said: “Our performance last weekend against South Wales was professional and now we host Rochdale in a game that could be a dress rehearsal for the end-of-season play-off between first and second for automatic promotion.

“We might have had one already on May 31 against Oldham, or similarly, at Barrow recently.

“At this stage of the season, the final first and second positions are far from clear but what is certain is that this is a very competitive league and we need to be at our very best on Sunday.

“Rochdale will arrive at Cougar Park with a mission. The mission will be to beat us and go top of league.

“If we can overcome their challenge and beat them it will give us an improved opportunity to finish as league leaders at the end of the season and host at first-versus-second final at Cougar Park.”

Keighley, meanwhile, are continuing to raise money for the Danny Jones Fund.

A number of events are planned, the first of which is the induction of Jones into the club’s Hall of Fame on Friday, June 26.

The second event is a race night on Friday, July 17.

Both start at 7.30pm and cost £5 each which includes a hot supper.

Tickets can be bought on Cougars’ website.