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.

Cas started the 2nd period well and only 3 minutes after the restart Evans took a Faumuina pass to force his way over from 10 metres out for an unconverted try. The Dragons levelled on the hour mark as Shane Perr's long pass went loose and Cyril Stacul kicked the ball on to score as Owen tried to gather the ball. Bosc converted and with 20 minutes remaining it was anyones game at 18 - 18.

Crucially the next score went to the Tigers when Sherwin attacked the Dragons line and sucked in 2 defenders before a perfectly timed pass sent Chase jinking his way over for a score which Dixon converted but there was still drama as with only 2 minutes left on the clock Mitchell Sargent, who had had a big game for the Tigers, lost possesion n the 1st tackle. The Dragons pounced when Perry, Bosc moved the ball to the right Adam Mogg was on hand to send Stacul in for a try. Bosc had a conversion attempt to level the scores and hand the Dragons a share of the spoils but could only watch as his effort driftd wide.

A fantastic win for Castleford Tigers as they extended there unbeaten run to 3 after previous victories over Wigan and Salford. Next up is Huddersfield Giants who will be looking to bounce back after a home defeat at the hands of Hull but Cas will be in confident mood as they look to avenge the pre-season defeat when Aussie fullback Brett Hodgson was influential for the Giants. The match will take place at The Jungle next Saturday and promises to be a cracker for the Sky cameras.

Catalans: Greenshields, Stacul, Bell, Mogg, Pelo, Bosc, Perry, Ferriol, Maguire, Guisset, Croker, Mounis, Fakir.

Subs: Baille, Elima, Casty, Bird

Tigers: McGoldrick, Dixon, Evans, Shenton, Owen, Faumuina, Sherwin, Sargent, Hudson, Huby, Ferres, Jones, Westerman.

Subs: Chase, Feather, Netherton, Widders.

Referee: Richard Silverwood          Attendance: 8500

Normytigers Man of the Match

1st place James Evans 3 points

2nd Place Brent Sherwin 2 points

3rd place Mitchell Sargent 1 point