Bradford Bulls have done their neighbours Keighley Cougars a real favour.

A whole host of visiting fans made their way to Cougar Park on Sunday, with 3,729 supporters in total witnessing a thrilling AB Sundecks 1895 Cup tie that ended 26-18 in the away side’s favour.

That result sent the Bulls through to the quarter-finals and saw Keighley knocked out of the competition in the group stage, but Cougars had a rather important souvenir to take away from the day.

Bulls confirmed in a statement, which thanked their fans profusely for attending Sunday’s cup fixture, that all gate receipts from that close to 4,000-strong crowd would be kept by Keighley.

Keighley News: An expectant crowd watches on as former Bulls man and current Cougars full back Brandon Pickersgill escapes the despairing dive of Bradford half back Billy Jowitt.An expectant crowd watches on as former Bulls man and current Cougars full back Brandon Pickersgill escapes the despairing dive of Bradford half back Billy Jowitt. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

That is because of a rule that was agreed before the start of this year’s 1895 Cup competition for fixtures which had Betfred Championship sides going up against League 1 sides.

Championship outfits always played away against clubs from the third tier in the 1895 Cup group stages this year, but Bulls and Dewsbury also had an important proposal accepted.

The pair were keen to assist League 1 clubs following the loss of sides from the division last season, which was threatening to make the third tier unviable in 2024.

And that meant it was agreed to make sure that Keighley received all the gate receipts from their clashes against the Rams and the Bulls.

Not only did 3,729 supporters pay for tickets to watch the derby against Bradford, but 839 were at Cougar Park to watch Keighley thump Dewsbury 35-6 in their other group game at the end of January, meaning over 4,500 fans attended the two fixtures combined.

In praise of their travelling fans on Sunday, Bulls posted on their club website: “The Bradford Bulls would like to thank their travelling army of supporters for their vocal, unwavering support at Sunday’s 1895 Cup match at Keighley Cougars.

“To see a majority of Bradford fans, resplendent in their club colours in a bumper crowd of 3,729, was a great testament to the Bulls fans and the club.

“To see so many Bulls fans there clearly demonstrated a wonderful collaborative and inclusive rugby league first approach that every Bradford fan in attendance can be rightly proud of.”