Cougars Head To The Lions Den – Swinton Preview

[Cougars News]

Swinton Lions v Keighley Cougars Match Preview by Joshua Chapman (@JRCSport)

Date: Sunday 17^th May

Time: 3.00pm

Venue: Park Lane, Whitfield, Manchester

The Cougars did Jonesy proud last time out with a comprehensive victory over the Coventry Bears whilst Swinton’s mixed start to the League campaign continued with a defeat at Rochdale.

Last Time Out

The Cougars mauled the Bears in their first game since the tragic death of Danny Jones.

A hat-trick from James Feather as well as tries from Brendon Rawlins, Paul March, Hamish Barnes, Jesse Sheriffe, Paul White & Oliver Pursglove saw Keighley comfortably see of the West Midlands side.

Swinton Lions mixed start to the new League campaign continued as they fell to defeat away at the Rochdale Hornets.

Despite a Ritchie Hawkyard double and a Chris Rothwell try, the Hornets proved too much for John Duffy’s outfit as Swinton squandered many chances to take a hold on the game as a contest.

Team News

The Cougars are missing David March who has been hospitalised with an infection whilst Matt Bailey (Ankle) is still at least a fortnight away. Danny Lawton could return from the elbow injury which kept him out of the London and Coventry fixtures.

Swinton are without many first team regulars with Alex Hurst, Jimmy Rowland & Grant Beecham (All Shoulder), Tommy Gallagher (Quad), Mat Gardner (Arm) and Andy Thornley (Knock) all either out or doubtful for the game. New signing Michael Burgess is also unavailable due to visa issues.

Key Battle

As usual in games between the Cougars and the Lions, the forward packs will prove pivotal. The experience and leadership skills of Buster against the exciting pace of Andy Ackers will be intriguing to watch as will Oliver Pursglove and Josh Lynam’s second row struggle with Darren Hawkyard and Josh Barlow.

What The Coaches Say

Keighley Cougars Player-Coach Paul March: “There were a lot of tired bodies after last week, not just physically but mentally. It took a lot out of us but we’re full of confidence and hopefully can maintain our100 per cent record.

 “Obviously it will be a tough game at Swinton. We know a lot about them having played them in the iPro Cup at the start of the season and a lot last year. We know what their strengths and weaknesses are so we’ll go there full of confidence having not lost yet and hopefully we can keep the winning run going.”

Swinton Lions Head Coach John Duffy: “Rochdale were the better team, especially in the first half. We had a lot of opportunities to score in the second half and we didn’t take our chances.

“We’ve obviously got a massive game this weekend. Keighley are a very good team who are consistent in what they do. We’ve played them twice already this year so we know all about them. They’ve got better, where we’ve been a bit inconsistent so we’re going to have to really be on the money this week.”

Prediction

The Cougars will still be on the emotional rollercoaster from the past fortnight whilst Swinton may have one eye on Blackpool, either way, this has the makings for a cracker – Keighley by 8.

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