KEIGHLEY COUGARS coach Ian Hardman says Brandon Pickersgill was a key contributor as his side collected a first victory over neighbours Halifax in 16 attempts.
The seasoned former Panthers player came in for only a second Cougars appearance of the campaign after the boss had to alter plans to bring back halfback Matty Beharrell following injury.
Pickersgill, 29, who has also played for Bradford and Featherstone, and has this year featured for Hunslet on loan, paired up with Izaac Farrell in the pivots as Keighley won 29-20.
It was a sweet first triumph over the Calderdale team since a 38-18 Northern Rail Cup success success in 2006.
“Matty was a late withdrawal, so we asked Picks to come in, and he did a great job,” explained Hardman.
“He’s a very experienced player and a great bloke who really applies himself to everything he does.
“He might not have been playing that much recently, but he retains a great attitude and is a great trainer and a great teammate.
“Being like that when you aren’t playing week in, week out is a good measure of character, and Picks has plenty of that.”
Hardman also had forwards Lachlan Lanskey and Aaron Brown back and added: “Lachy has a great engine and is strong in defence and Aaron brings that bit of class and quality, and both of them are leaders.
“It was a tough and physical battle, particularly in the first half, and at half-time, we asked the lads to try to step up another level, which they did.
“We kept that strong team approach and enjoyed a couple of great individual moments through Manu (Emmanuel Waine) and Alfie Dean.”
Keighley have released ex-Huddersfield halfback Ben Dean and prop Eoin Bowie after both struggled for games.