Cougars hopeful of beating snow

Keighley Cougars are still hopeful of playing their Northern Rail Cup tie against Gateshead Thunder at Cougar Park on Sunday (kick-off 1500 GMT).

Club officials said on Saturday the pitch was playable after sunny weather in West Yorkshire.

Helen Carter, the Cougars general manager, said: "We shall be looking at the pitch first thing on Sunday, but we're optimistic about playing."

If the game goes ahead the Cougars will be without prop Brendon Rawlins.

Carter added: "Just to make sure the spectators are as safe and comfortable as possible we shall be opening just the main stand and the south-facing Jewson Stand for the game.

"In the meantime we urge fans to either keep an eye on the club's website or in touch with the local media."

Elsewhere within West Yorkshire, Featherstone Rovers will hold a 0900 GMT pitch inspection on Sunday to see if their Northern Rail Cup game at home to Leigh can go ahead.

However Halifax's opening game of the 2009 season at home to Blackpool, Batley Bulldogs against Doncaster, Dewsbury Rams' match at London Skolars and Hunslet Hawks trip to Sheffield Eagles are all off.

The Hawks game at the Don Valley Stadium has already been rescheduled for Wednesday 11 February at 1945 GMT.