Foster goes out with a win in testimonial game

It was a time for legends at Cougar Park yesterday with Keighley hero Matt Foster bowing out and Ellery Hanley making his long-awaited return to the game.

Foster left the happiest after helping Cougars to another impressive victory in his testimonial.

The fans' favourite centre couldn't grab the try he needed to bring up 500 career Cougars points but he did selflessly create one for wingman James Hutchinson and managed the entire 80 minutes against Hanley's Doncaster.

Foster, who led the sides out and officially retired afterwards, tried try to kick his way to the landmark towards the end of the contest and with Keighley in full control.

But the script didn't go to plan for the player, who has served so loyally at Lawkholme Lane for 12 years, with both conversion attempts sailing wide.

Boss Barry Eaton said: "Mattie certainly won't be our kicking coach now he's retired!

"He was really solid though considering he'd only trained four times with us and not done any pre-season.

"I was going to swap him for Ben Sagar but he asked me at half-time if it was okay to do the full game.

"He was going okay so we left him out there. He had the chance to get his bit of glory as well but fluffed it... twice!"

Although it was Foster's day, a lot of eyes were on Hanley with it being the Great Britain's legend's first game in charge since taking over at National League Two Doncaster.

He has been out of coaching since being sacked at St Helens after they crashed 32-10 against the Bulls in 2000.

He must have been envisaging another hefty defeat yesterday as the Cougars tore into a ten-point lead in as many minutes.

Sam Gardner and the outstanding Alex Lowe both scored tries and - despite former New Zealand Warriors loose forward Corey Lawrie hitting back - Keighley built up a 20-6 advantage.

Full back Gavin Duffy created a brilliant individual try, darting down the blindside and chipping the defence and winning the race to the line before robust second-rower Simon Bissell racked up their fourth.

The rusty visitors picked their game up and notched tries from Peter Green and Jason Hart, Paul Crook converting both to make it just 20-18 at the break but the Cougars powered on after the re-start.

Jon Presley darted over, Hutchinson benefited from Foster's assist, Lowe got his second against his former club and youngster Josh Scott rounded things off.

Doncaster scored twice through Wayne Reittie and Luke Gale but they were no match for Keighley, who were led brilliantly by Adam Mitchell.

The scrum half has hardly played since breaking his leg two years ago but ran the show yesterday with some terrific handling and kicking.

"It was probably his best game he's had for us over the last 12 months since coming back from that injury," Eaton said.

"He really controlled things out there for us, was very sharp and has certainly thrown his hat into the ring for a half back spot. I'm really pleased for Adam."

Doncaster's big signing from the Bulls - Chris McKenna - didn't debut and was in the crowd having only recently returned to England while Graeme Horne has apparently returned to Hull without playing a game.

Former Bradford Northern great Hanley, meanwhile, reckons he has quickly settled back into life as a coach.

"It's just like waking up and brushing your teeth," he said.

"There's no dramas there and it's not about me.

"The players have got the hardest task going out there and producing.

"No one is ever happy losing a football game but it was only our first hit-out. Keighley have had three already."