Celtic Crusaders 22-34 Castleford

Castleford continued their 100% away win record, but were made to work hard by a determined Celtic Crusaders side still searching for their first win of the season.

The Tigers trailed for the majority of the match, but managed to score three tries in the final fifteen minutes to ensure victory.

The Crusaders had started the brightest in the opening exchanges and it was the home side who took the lead deservedly.

Prop Damien Quinn powered his way over and Celtics looked to be in good shape when Adam Peek followed suit minutes later.

Castleford did rally briefly and managed to take the advantage thanks to Ryan Boyle‘s effort and then James Evans, finishing off a great passing move. Both were converted by the reliable Kirk Dixon.

But the lead didn’t last long and shortly before the half-time hooter David Tangata-Toa drove through the middle of the pitch, before selling Tigers’ full-back Richard Owen with a sublime dummy.

But much of the second half belonged to the Tigers, despite John Dixon’s men threatening once or twice.

It took a fourth Crusaders try to kick the Tigers into gear, O’Hara again showing superb support and strength to cross the whitewash.

Kirk Dixon then converted his own try to pull the Tigers within breathing distance, and as the Crusaders tired, Terry Matterson’s men took full advantage.

Michael Wainwright again finished off another neat move to put the Tigers in front with a slender two point lead, before Ryan McGoldrick‘s diagonal run ended in Michael Shenton scoring.

And as the Crusaders piled forward in search of a try that could have given them hope of obtaining a point, Castleford’s defence held firm and set the platform for a counter-attack.

And after great forward play, Brent Sherwin dived over for his first ever try in Castleford colours and ensured the points were definitely going back to Yorkshire