Castleford Tigers Supporters Club

A third consecutive win and third place in the table after a momentous victory in Perpignan against the Catalans Dragons although the margin of 2 points was probably flattering to the home with a final score of 22-24 in favour of the Tigers.

James Evans was recalled to the starting line up replacing Michael Wainwright and justified his inclusion with a brace of tries, whilst the Dragons had Greg Bird making his debut from the bench.

Cas dominated the early exchanges and went ahead after 14 minutes when Kirk Dixon went in at the corner after Ryan McGoldrick picked up Jamal Fakir's dropped pass. The Aussie fullback found Sione Faumuina before Evans sent the winger in. Dixon could not convert his try but was successful 8 minutes later when Eavns went in for his 1st after Ryan Hudson, Faumuina and Joe Westerman had created the opportunity.

The Dragons hit back straight away as Remi Castry's drive set up the position for Thomas Bosc to feed Bird who timed his offload perfectly for Clint Greenshileds to score. Bosc converted and The Tigers held a 4 point lead.

That lead was extended in style on 35 minutes as Richard Owen went over for his fourth try of the season. Kirk Netherton and Evans had both gone close before Faumuina, Rangi Chase and Brent Sherwin gave Brett Ferres the opportunity to send out a long pass for the winger to score. Dixon was again off target unlike Bosc who converted after Fakir had crashed his way through 3 would be tacklers to make the half time score Catalans 12 Castleford 14.

A 2nd consecutive victory for Castleford Tigers has seen them climb to the dizzy heights of 4th spot in the Engage Superleague Table. The victory was a result of an outstanding attacking display against Salford City Reds as the Tigers ran in 9 tries in a 52-16 win at The Jungle.

There were some great displays throughout the 17 in Amber & Black but special mention has to go to the industrious 2nd row pair of Brett Ferres and Stuart Jones whilst Brent Sherwin and Ryan McGoldrick stood out in attack.

Terry Matterson was forced in to a couple of changes as injuries ruled out both Liam Higgins and James Evans, Michael Wainwright starting on the wing whilst Dean Widders came in to take a place on the bench.

The Tigers started at a blistering pace with Kirk Dixon having a score ruled out for going into touch after good work from Michael Shenton, Richard Owen and Joe Westerman. The Tigers weren't kept out for long as a Salford knock on was punished in style with Sherwin sending Shenton in for a try which Dixon converted.

Cas continued to press and with only 7 minutes on the clock skipper Ryan Hudson sent Craig Huby crashing in from close range. Dixon again converted and the Tigers were 12-0 up. That lead was almost extended on 10 minutes when Sherwin's towering kick was completely misjudged by Reds full back Karl Fitzpatrick but Mitchell Sargent was ruled offside.

With both sides coming off the back of defeats Friday’s encounter between Wigan & Cas took on a little bit extra meaning as they looked to get their 1^st points of the 2009 campaign. In what proved to be a fascinating encounter it was the visitors who came away with the spoils to heap more pressure on Warriors coach Brian Noble as the Cherry & Whites have lost each of their opening 3 games.

Wigan were without Pat Richards and Cameron Phelps through injury and Richie Mathers through suspension whilst giving debuts to Karl Pryce and Shaun Ainscough who lined up alongside the likes of high profile imports Amos Roberts and Mark Riddell. For the Tigers Brent Sherwin came in for his 1^st game of the year, with Rangi Chase dropping down to the bench, Dean Widders being the man to make way.

The game started at a pace with 3 disallowed tries in the opening 10 minutes. First Kirk Dixon put a foot in touch then Ainscough had one chalked off for a forward pass and then Richard Owen appeared a little unfortunate to have one wiped off for a double movement. In the commotion that followed Cas skipper Ryan Hudson was placed on report.

A day that started out with much anticipation ended in disappointment for Tigers fans that saw their side defeated 8-12 at The Jungle, with ‘old boy’ Luke Dorn scoring 2 tries for the visitors in what proved to be a dour encounter in difficult conditions.

Early pressure from Quins saw Wells knock on close to the Cas line and a brief scuffle ensued. A Cas attack saw Melling knock down a pass from the impressive Shenton to Owen resulting in a penalty for the Tigers.

Mistakes were a plenty and outstanding defence from both sides snuffed out any attacks until the 21st minute when James Evans dummied his way over in the corner for a try on debut. He had been held up short moments earlier but made no mistake when taking Westerman’s pass 20 metres out. Dixon was off target with the conversion attempt but the Tigers were 4 points up.

It was nip and tuck throughout the opening 40 minutes as neither side were able to take a firm hold of the game and it looked like the home side would hold onto their lead going into the break. That was until prop Sargent tried a long pass wide in his own 20. Poacher supreme Dorn read the pass and strolled in for an easy interception try which Purdham converted to give the visitors a 2 point lead.