Saints kept our opponents to nil for the second time in two weeks, continuing with our 100% winning record since the restart after a hard-working 10-0 victory over Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The first half was dominated by the forwards. It was end to end in a quick and physical encounter, but despite the stalemate both sides had sights at their oppositions’ try line.
Saints were held up on the line twice with Matty Lees and Kyle Amor, whilst Michael Shenton came close to a touchdown after a kick by Paul McShane. Kevin Naiqama also had to be on hand to deal with a dangerous low kick in the final few minutes of the half.
Saints finally took the lead in the 49th minute, Lachlan Coote kicking a penalty after Grant Millington was sin binned, having being penalised for an off the ball shoulder charge on Jonny Lomax. The penalty gave Saints a tight 2-0 lead in a real battle of attrition.
Coote kicked another penalty between the sticks in the 55th minute after a Cas player was penalised for pushing down in the tackle. Coote extended Saints lead to 4-0.
Saints continued to apply pressure to the 12 men of Castleford, but to their credit, they stood firm as the forwards continued to dominate.
The Red Vee’s pressure told late on though as Saints finally broke down a resilient Tigers defence to score a try in the 77th minute.
Alex Walmsley, fresh off the bench for the final 10 minutes powered his way through a tired Tigers line and offloaded to Coote, who found the supporting Theo Fages. He shrugged off two challenges to score the only try of the game and wrap up the two points. Coote added the conversion as Saints kept our opposition scoreless for the second successive week.
Match Summary
Saints 13: Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson, Kevin Naiqama, Mark Percival, Regan Grace, Jonny Lomax, Theo Fages, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, James Graham, James Bentley, Zeb Taia, Morgan Knowles.
Interchanges: Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Matty Lees, Kyle Amor, Aaron Smith.
Tries: Fages (77)
Goals: Coote
Penalties: Coote (49, 55)
Castleford 13: Gareth O’Brien, Derrell Opherts, Alex Foster, Michael Shenton, James Clare, Paul McShane, Danny Richardson, Liam Watts, Adam Milner, George Griffin, Oliver Holmes, Mike McMeeken, Nathan Massey.
Interchanges: Grant Millington, Jesse Sene-Lafao, Jacques O’Neill, Calum Turner.
Half time: 0-0
Full Time: 10-0
Referee: James Child
