Match Report Taken from the Excellent Castigers.net site run by Stuart Main - I couldn't find a match report anywhere else on the net and didn't keep the stats/incidents myself while I was at the game for I opted to post the next best thing.
"There
will be far tougher games ahead for the Tigers as they seek to bounce back into
Superleague in 2005. Certainly the likes of Hull KR, Whitehaven and Doncaster
will not be as accommodating as Hunslet were yesterday. However, take yesterday
for what it was - a first run out for a team festering just 2 of the 17 players
relegated 3 months ago - and you'll agree that a 62-10 victory was a very
positive sign.
Whilst some defensive lapses and a little indiscipline will need to be ironed
out, when was the last time a Tigers side started the season with a 50+ points
victory? In terms of individuals, John Hepworth impressed in his new role at
right centre whilst the likes of Lance Hamilton, Adam Watene and Craig Huby
showed determination and creativity up front. If nothing else it was wonderful
to come away from the Jungle smiling, having witnessed a display of passion,
pace and flowing rugby. Here's to more of the same next week and throughout
2005.
The Tigers were on the front foot from the first but a lack of cohesion in
attack led to a couple of missed opportunities in the first 10 minutes. Paul
Handforth was pulling the strings on his debut whilst Michael Platt always
looked a threat with his kick returns. The break through came on 13 minutes,
Hepworth going in for his first try from a Handforth pass. Hepworth started with
the kicking responsibilities but pushed this one wide from the right hand side.
The pressure continued and Handforth sent Platt over just two minutes later.
However, the try was disallowed for a forward pass.
On 16 minutes Adam Watene came on for his debut and with his first touch of the
ball he ploughed over next to the posts for his first try in Tigers' colours.
Hepworth added the extras. After a 10 minute burst Watene was replaced with
Craig Huby - looking much bigger this year - and he repeated the trick by going
over with his first touch to put the Tigers 14-0 ahead. Hepworth again missing
the conversion.
With 30 minutes on the clock Hunslet had their first real bout of pressure and
Martin Moxon forced his way over for a converted try. The Tigers fought back
however and Hepworth crossed only for the move to be pulled back for a Michael
Platt forward pass. Waine Pryce did cross before the break to extend the lead
again to 18-6. On the hooter Handforth missed the conversion.
After an encouraging but far from barnstorming first half the Tigers exploded
with 3 tries in the first 8 second half minutes. First Handforth went over after
good slight of hand from Jordan James, then Platt crossed for his first try and
then Andy Kain supported well to earn a run in. Handforth kicked all 3 goals and
the Tigers were over the hill and far away at 36-6.
There was to be no letting up however and Hepworth crossed for a second time
soon after before forsaking a hat trick by laying on a try for Michael Shenton.
After Handforth missed the first conversion Craig Huby took over the task and
slotted over the extras.
Still the tries kept coming, Platt crossed for a second time in the 66th minute
with Huby goaling and James scored in the 70th which Huby missed. Hunslet did
pick up a further try but the Tigers had the last word - Rob Worrincy crossing
in the final minute to bring up the 60 point mark which Huby extended to 62 with
his third goal.
Match Report Taken for the 2nd time this season from the Excellent Castigers.net site run by Stuart Main as I didn't get to the match
The Tigers today produced a second pre-season victory with another promising performance. After last week's superb display of running rugby, Cas' today produced a backs to the wall display of fighting spirit and determination to see off Sheffield 32-10 despite the 34th minute sending off of Damien Reed and sin binning of captain Andy Henderson. Jordan James suffered two cracked ribs as he scored his try thanks to the Sheffield full back's knees in what was a particularly spiteful game. Michael Platt again scored two tries with Leigh Cooke, Andy Kain and Waine Pryce also joining James on the scoresheet. Craig Huby kicked 4 goals from 6 attempts.