Worms v CAstleford 04.02.06
Castleford 2nds 25
Knottingley 2nds 15
In this hard fought local derby,
Castleford, beefed up with a number of first teamers, won an enthralling match
in which 7 tries were scored.
All play in the first quarter
took place in centre field, each side trying to gain the upper hand, with no
quarter being given. The intensity of the game was evidenced by both sides being
reduced to 14 men, scrums being uncontested for the 10 minute period, disrupting
the visitors momentum as they had been gaining the upperhand in the set pieces
until that time.
Knottingley moved the ball to
within 5 yards of Castleford line but knocked on. From the ensuing scrum
Castleford turned the tables and after several phases of play centre Lee Land
raced over for the first try,
converted by Simon Greenhalgh.
Play was end to end with both
defences doing well, but just before the break Knottingley reduced the arrears
when scrum half Ward took the ball from fine forward mauling to race over for an unconverted try.
Within 3 minutes of the restart
Castleford extended their lead when winger Rob Collins raced over following fine
forward and backs work. Again converted by Greenhalgh. Score 14-5
Knottingley took play into the
home 22, but were cruelly robbed of a valid push over try when the unsighted
referee deemed the ball to have been held up.
Castleford moved upfield and a
brilliant 20 yards run from Greenhalgh saw him break through the Knottingley
defence and score wide out. Score 19-5.
Knottingley drove downfield from
the restart and were unlucky when a score by Kalem Senior was deemed to have
resulted from a knock on; in fact he had kicked ahead and retrieved.
Although pressing strongly,
Knottingley were undone when a fine break from their own 22 saw Castleford move
the ball through several phases for Collins to take the final pass for another
unconverted score. Score 24-5.
Knottingley remained upbeat and
finally reaped reward for their efforts when centre Brad Rawlinson went over .
Score 24-10.
Within 2 minutes Knottingley
further reduced the arrears when another concerted forward effort saw the ball
released to the backs for Danny Fox to take the pass and run over for the final
unconverted score, 24-15.
An impassioned local derby with
much fine attacking play by both sides. On this showing Castleford must surely
soon improve their lowly division three position.
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