Castleford Tigers Supporters Club

The Tigers clinched a place in the Play Offs with a crushing 48-0 victory against Harlequins at The Twickenham Stoop.

In an impressive Tigers display Joe Westerman took the individual honours crossing for a hat-trick of tries and 5 goals for an 22 point haul. This wasn't a solo effort by the Tigers as throughout the side there were solid performances Rangi Chase and Brent Sherwin dominating things from the half back slots whilst Kirk Netherton produced a cracking display off the bench.

The opening exchanges were a close run thing and it took 17 minutes for the Tigers to register their first score through Westerman. The ball moved right and the young loose forward's angled run saw him stretch over for the try which he duly converted. Three minutes later a similar effort extended the lead to 12 points with Westerman bagging all the points.

Quins began to force their way into the game but reolute defending from Cas ensured that the line stayed solid and as the home side became frustrated handling errors became a big factor and the visitors maintained the 12 point advantage at the break.

It was important that Cas didn't concede an early 2nd half score and with only 3 minutes of the half played, the Tigers extended their lead with Kirk Dixon forcing his way over near the corner flag. Westerman struck his conversion attempt beautifully to add the extras from the touchline. 

James Evans forced his way over from close range for an unconverted try before Westerman added the converion to his hat-trick try, again reaching over at full stretch.

DEan Widders then added the try of he game, supporting a break from Chase, to score behind the uprights leaving Westerman with an easy conversion. Liam Higgins then powered over for his 2nd of the season with Dixon adding the extras before crossing for his 2nd try of the game.

Quins continued to put in the effort but the Cas defence was determined not to concede and with the full time hooter about to sound Brett Ferres went over in the corner for a well taken score to complete the rout.

With a top 8 spot now secured the pressure should be off for the final league game of the season at home to the wooden spoonists Celtic Crusaders where a big win will ensure the Tigers enter the Play Offs in confident mood.

Tigers: McGoldrick, Dixon, Evans, Shenton, Wainwright, Chase, Sherwin, Sargent, Jones, Higgins, Huby, Clayton, Westerman. Subs: Ferres, Feather, Netherton, Widders.

Quins: Melling, Clubb, Gafa, Purdham, Sharp, Dorn, Orr, Ward, Randall, McCarth-Scarsbrook, Williamson, Esders, Golden. Subs: Haggerty, Gale, Heckingberg, Bryant.

Referee: Thierry Alibert                            Attendance: 3824

Normytigers Man of the Match:

1st Joe Westerman 3 points

2nd Kirk Netherton 2 points

3rd Brent Sherwin 1 point