Keighley Cougars lost 36-24 to Workington Town in the Betfred Championship on Sunday in a match marred by multiple injuries to the visiting side.
The Cougars arrived already depleted, with Izaac Farrell, Aaron Brown, Leo Aliyu, David Foggin-Johnston and George Flanagan all absent. During the game, Dan Parker, Emmanuel Waine, Dylan Proud and Oli Whitford all suffered injuries that forced them off the pitch. Head coach Ian Hardman hopes the injured players will return within the next month.
The match kicked off 15 minutes late due to a medical emergency in the crowd requiring treatment.
First half
Workington struck first with a converted try, but Brandon Pickersgill responded with a try of his own, which Matty Beharrell converted to level the game. Two Workington tries in quick succession before half-time put the hosts in control, though Keighley hit back almost on the hooter through Lachlan Lanskey. Beharrell's conversion left Keighley trailing 16-12 at the break.
Second half
Keighley took the lead three minutes into the second half when Oli Whitford crossed, with Beharrell converting to make it 18-16. However, two Workington tries in six minutes just before the hour mark put the hosts back in control. Late tries extended Workington's advantage before Max Clarke, activated as 18th man, scored a consolation try a minute from time, which Beharrell converted.
The defeat sees Keighley drop to 16th in the 20-team Betfred Championship table with four wins from 18 games. Workington overtake them in the standings.
Keighley's rearranged home fixture against Dewsbury Rams is scheduled for Wednesday, having been postponed earlier this month due to pitch safety concerns.