There was much to be sorted out in the Kingstone Press Championship heading into the final round of regular season fixtures – and a late, late score at Keighley had a massive impact on the final standings.
With just three minutes left in the game between Keighley and Featherstone, the Cougars were on course for safety, leading 24-22 against second-placed Rovers. However, with Fev not knowing that results elsewhere were working in their favour, they grabbed a dramatic late try to secure second spot in the Championship – and RELEGATE the Cougars.
It was between Keighley, Batley and Whitehaven for the final relegation spot, and it was ultimately the Cougars that were consigned to Championship One in 2015, after that late Featherstone try sent them crashing to a 26-24 defeat.
The bizarre state of the Championship this year meant that the team that finished the highest out of that trio in relegation danger would make the play-offs, and it was another final day miracle from John Kear, who inspired his Batley side to a huge win at high-flying Doncaster, and ensure they’re in with a chance of making the Grand Final for a second consecutive year.
Elsewhere, Scott Murrell’s first game in charge of Halifax ended in victory, as they defeated Barrow 30-24. Leigh posted another victory by defeating already-relegated North Wales, whilst there were final day wins for Sheffield, Whitehaven and Workington ahead of the play-offs, which get underway next week.
