BARROW LAIKERS went to KEIGHLEY COUGAR CUBS with a depleted squad but put in a spirited performance throughout, making it a difficult afternoon for the hosts who were forced to work hard for the win.

Keighley scored the opening try on 18 minutes through winger Jack Copperwaite but Barrow replied soon after and took the lead with Daryl Archer scoring and converting his own try.

Cougars’ scrum half Ben Stead muscled over to make it 8-6 four minutes before the break at the end of a highly competitive half.

Laikers made an excellent start the second period, retaking the lead through Dan Rigl, Archer adding the extras.

That served to spark Keighley into life and they scored four tries in a ten minute purple period with touchdowns from Adam Routh with a double, Jack Cawood and Joe Connolly.

Hudson landed two conversions and Stead added a third however Barrow were not done and Nathan Sneesby darted through for his side’s third try, Archer converting.

Tries from Josh Ireland and Cawood with his second and a third goal for Hudson made the game safe for Keighley as they ran out 40-18 winners.

WEST CUMBRIA proved to be too strong for a spirited GATESHEAD THUNDER at Peterlee.

After racing into a 32-0 lead by the break, the visitors carried on in much the same vain in the second period and stretched their lead to 52-0 before the home side crossed for a deserved consolation from Jonny Shields.

In the last game of the weekend EAST LEEDS and FEATHERSTONE LIONS played on a thrilling 12-12 draw.