Castleford Tigers Supporters Club

The Tigers were edged out of this year's 'Magic Weekend' fixture against Hull FC, going down 24-16 in a tense, end to end game.

The game itself was overshadowed by the performance of referee Phil Bentham who, when the game was poised at 16-16 awarded a penalty against Tigers winger Michael Wainwright for obstructing his opposite number Mark Calderwood, when it appeared to everyone else in the ground that not only was Calderwood not square at the play the ball but had clearly never released the tackled player, Wainwright. Danny Tickle seized the opportunity to put the Airlie Birds in front and a further conversion to Danny Washbrook's late try sealed the win for Hull.

Cas included ex-Hull men Kirk Dixon, Sione Faumuina and Liam Higgins in their line-up whilst ex-Tigers Willie Manu, Jamie Thackray and Dominic Maloney were selected for Hull.

Whilst the Tigers team seemed to indicate that Stuart Jones was to start in the hooking role with Ryan McGoldrick at loose forward, it became apparent that Rangi Chase was operating in the dummy half role with McGoldrick at stand off with Faumuina at 13. For Hull Richard Horne lined up at full back with Washbrook and Chris Thorman in the half back berths.

Cas were dealt an early blow when Richard Owen, operating at full back, was injured inside the first minute and whilst he tried to run off what appeared to be a hip injury, he was replaced by James Ford with only 3 minutes on the clock.

Cas started the livlier of the 2 sides and were quickly on the front foot forcing Hull to conced a goal line drop out as early as the 7th minute. Brent Sherwin, Brett Ferres and Ford all handled to take the Tigers close to the Hull 20 metre line. Sherwin's high kick saw Dixon out jump Graeme Horne to take the ball and his attempt at offloading to James Evans was knocked down by a Hull defender forcing Richard Horne to knock the ball dead, just beating Evans to the ball.

McGoldrick had the ball stolen 1 on 1 by Manu and Richard Horne couldn't take a Manu offlaod as both sides looked to take an advantage before another high kick was taken by Dixon, this time Evans was unable to take the pass and an opportunity went begging. It was clear, though, that Cas would have some joy down that side of the field.

Further Cas pressure saw Richard Horne conced a goal line drop out as Evans followed up Sherwin's kick. Ryan Boyle returned the drop out well and Faumuina's offload was gathered Chase. His pass found McGoldrick who timed his pass perfectly to put Sherwin through a hole in the Hull defence before the scrum half sent Ford sprinting under the post to open the scoring. Dixon converted to give Cas a 6-0 lead.  

If Cas dominated the opening exchanges, Hull ceratinly clawed their way back into it as the half wore on. Manu was dangerous with his offlaods and the introduction of Danny Houghton off the bench gave the Black and Whites some momentum. It was in fact one of those Manu offlaods that created the position for Hull to equalise and whilst it looked a couple of metres forward it wasn't spotted by any of the officials. Washbrook's high kick was taken by Richard Whiting who tried to feed Calderwood. The ball looked to bounce forward to the Hull winger but despite attention from Michael Shenton, he managed to turn the ball inside and sub Michael Burnett forced his way over near the corner. Bentham awarded the try without hesitation when maybe it could have gone to the video ref. Tickle converted to tie the scores at the break.

Cas started the 2nd half in fine form and a mighty break from Chris Feather, carried on by Ford and Faumuina set up a great position. Dixon kicked through and Richard Horne once again conceded a goal line drop out. From the kick Mitchell Sargent went through a gap in the Hull defensive line and went charging deep into the Hull 20 metre area. The Tigers kept the ball alive through Chase, McGoldrick, Shenton, Sherwin and Ford before a great Faumuina pass gave Evans the opportunity to send Dixon in at the corner. The winger was unable to add the touchline conversion but Cas were 10-6 in front. 

The lead was shortlived as 2 quickfire penalties took Hull upfield and a charge from Manu saw the Tongan stay done injured. The break in play seemed to distract the Tigers defence and prop Peter Cusack crashed over from close range as 3 would be defenders failed to stop him grounding the ball. Tickle added the extras to put the Airlie Birds in front for the 1st time.

The Tigers of 12 months ago would have crumbled at this point but the spirit of the 2009 squad is strong and they fought back to regain the lead with what has already been described as "The Try of the Season".

With there seemingly nowhere to go the ball found it's way to McGoldrick. The Aussie stood still and caused hesitation in the Hull defence before feeding Dixon. The winger managed to stay in play but it was on the last tackle. Chase ran across field and shaped to kick. His little grubber kick ricocheted off Washbrook back to the Kiwi half back who ran to the left before a beautiful reverse pass found Sherwin. The scrum half fed Boyle who handed back to Sherwin in a runaround move. Sherwin chipped to the corner and as the ball went over Graeme Horne, Dixon gathered possession at pace but had no room to get into position to ground the ball to score. Instinctively he passed the ball whilst somehow keeping his balance and ensuring that he stayed in play. The pass was gratefully accepted by Evans who headed towards the posts to ground the ball.

The video ref gave his approval and with Dixon adding the conversion it was advantage Tigers with a 16-12 scoreline with 20 minutes to go.

Hull bounced back to level the scores. A speculative kick from Wahsbrook was chased by Calderwood and his presence caused hestitation between Ford and Wainwright and when the ball came loose Washbrook sent Whiting in unopposed. Tickle's conversion attempt drifted wide.

Cue referee Bentham to take centre stage giving Tickle the opportunity to put Hull in front as he penalised Wainwright, before riling the travelling Cas fans further with 5 minutes to go when Tommy Lee's kick down field was again chased by Calderwood. Shenton looked to have the ball covered but a nudge from the Hull winger caused the ball to brush against the Cas man. Clearly there was no deliberate play at the ball but the scrum feed was given to Hull.

From the resulting set of six, Richard Horne's inch perfect kick was pounced on by Washbrook. Tickle adding the extras and the game ended Hull 24 Cas 16.

It's a shame that the outcome of such an entertaning game should be determined by a referee's decision and the performance of Phil Bentham will no doubt be more of a talking point than the brilliance of Dixon when setting up Evans' try or the resolute defence shown by Hull when Cas were able to dominate possession during the 1st quarter of the game.

Cas will no doubt look at their performance and positives will come from prop's Sargent, Feather and Boyle whilst Ferres was impressive also. The combination on the right of Evans and Dixon caused Hull problems throughout the way Dixon is able to take attacking kicks could have a major influence on the remainder of the Tigers season. McGoldrick was inventive as ever although it looks like he is best served coming into the line from the full back slot. Both Sherwin and Chase, at times, showed great creativity but between them kicked out on the full 3 times.

Superleague takes a break for a week as next up is a Challenge Cup 5th round tie against Championship leaders Halifax. Home advantage could play a big part in the encounter as 'Fax will be full of confidence with the outstanding form that they have shown so far this year. Cas will of course be looking to bounce back after stuttering over recent weeks and a win will set them up nicely for the following weeks meeting with local rivals Leeds Rhinos and hopefully a repeat of last years result will make great viewing for the Sky viewers.

Tigers: Owen, Dixon, Evans, Shenton, Wainwright, Chase, Sherwin, Sargent, Jones, Higgins, Ferres, Faumuina, McGoldrick. Subs: Ford, Feather, Netherton, Boyle.

Hull: R. Horne, Calderwood, Whiting, Yeaman, G. Horne, Washbrook, Thorman, Dowes, Lee, Thackray, Manu, Tickle, Radford. Subs: Cusack, Houghton, Burnett, Maloney.

Referee: Phil Bentham

Normytiger's Man of the Match

1st Brett Ferres 3 points

2nd Chris Feather 2 points

3rd Ryan Boyle 1 point