Valley Cougars are into the second round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup after a thrilling 27-22 win over Leicester Storm at Treharris RFC on February 1.
Cougars looked to be sailing, leading 14-0 with half an hour gone, but Leicester came back with determination to set up a grandstand finish.
Chris Speck darted under the sticks from dummy half for the first try, which Paul Emanuelli converted and the second came on 17 minutes when James Allen set up Yousif Sulliman.
Three minutes later Gethin King set up Lee Goddard to score the third for 14-0.
Leicester fought their way back and good passing saw Frank Barlow in the corner. Mark Etherington missed the kick so Cougars led 14-4 at the break.
Storm lived up to their name and thundered out in the second-half, capitalising on an early Cougars error to score. Ollie Furness’ try was converted by Etherington before winger Frank Barlow levelled with a 50 metre run.
Etherington goaled again to make it 16-14, but Cougars hit back on 52 minutes when Gareth Way forced himself over and Emanuelli converted.
Storm’s Jack Williams intercepted and made a clean break to the line to level the scores at 20 apiece.
Etherington kicked a penalty goal to give Leicester the lead with ten minutes left but Cougars weren’t finished yet and Speck had a second try ruled out for a forward pass.
Cougars regained the ball and Mark Thomas charged over to make it 24-22, with Emanuelli converting at the death.
Valley Cougars have been drawn away to Oulton Raiders in the second round on February 14.