Potter wins it at death for Cougars

9:14pm Sunday 3rd August 2008

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Keighley Cougars 34, Doncaster 31

Dan Potter showed his Super League class with a last-second match-winning touchdown that stunned Doncaster.

Cougars were 31-18 down and heading for a costly defeat against rivals looking at closing the gap on them in National League Two’s crucial fourth spot.

But during a breathtaking final quarter-of-an-hour, Cougars turned the game on its head with ex-Widnes star Potter applying the finishing touch.

Boss Barry Eaton said: “It was a fantastic comeback and fitting that Dan scored the clinching try because he was absolutely outstanding.

“He gave a terrific performance in the centre and showed what a class player he really is.”

The fixture was tied 14-14 at half-time but Northern Rail Cup finalists Doncaster pulled clear early in the second period and Keighley seemed destined for a miserable afternoon.

But Eaton explained: “When we conceded their final try we sent out the message that we wanted to see how much they wanted to win this match.

“Well, the lads showed us. They responded and it’s good to know they are capable of efforts like that.

“They really do have a never-say-die attitude. Last week seemed gone at Oldham but they nearly pulled it back there while they did manage it against Gateshead.

“Today we again showed great team spirit, desire and commitment to turn it around and I’m delighted for the lads.”

The hosts had three chances to snatch it before Potter finally got over.

George Rayner broke 70 metres on a kick return but was denied, Sam Gardner escaped down the touchline only for Zeb Luisi to pull off a try-saving tackle and then Danny Jones scuffed a penalty shot from wide out.

But they got their rewards in one last dramatic final attack and now move seven points clear of Doncaster, whose two games in hand might not be enough to chase Keighley down with York now the most likely challengers.

Aussie prop Brendan Rawlins returned from injury, replacing Craig Fawcett on the bench, and produced a “massive” stint with two tries, while Greg Nicholson and ex-Doncaster favourite Neil Lowe also crossed in an impressive display.

Loose forward Chris Redfearn, who switched as an emergency stand-off when Jon Presley departed injured, was the other try-scorer, while Jones booted five goals.