Tom on Don roll
DAVE FERN TOM SYKES won his first race of the season – with his NINTH straight victory at Donington Park.
The Huddersfield ace loves the Leicestershire circuit and now moves to second place in the World Superbikes standings.
The sixth-round win leaves him 50 points behind Kawasaki team-mate Jonathan Rea who crashed in the closing stages while second.
Sykes dedicated victory to former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden who died last week after a cycling accident in Italy.
“It’s been a strange weekend without Nicky around and this one is for him,” said Sykes.
Local favourite Leon Haslam was second and Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes snatched third place on the last lap. Chaz Davies also crashed out.
Now Holmes signs autographs rather than asking for them from players he lines up alongside.
Instead of being fourth-choice half-back the youngster, 21, has risen up the pecking order in the wake of Rangi Chase’s sudden departure to Widnes.
Unsurprisingly the teenage Tigers’ fan finds the situation all a bit surreal, especially after his eye-catching 95-metre breakaway try against Leeds at Magic Weekend.
“I’m a local lad and a massive Cas f an,” said Holmes ahead of tomorrow’s game at Leigh.
“I stood behind the sticks on my milk crate cheering them on. So it’s a dream playing out here.
“I got autographs off players like Andy Lynch.
“I love this club and it’s incredible to be here. I was a mad supporter when we got relegated in 2006 but stuck with them.
“Now, everyone is talking about Cas, Cas, Cas and it’s great to be here. Where else would you want to be?”
With first-team action limited, Holmes dropped down to the game’s second and even third-tiers with Batley and Oxford.
“I never really thought about elsewhere, it was just about waiting patiently for my chance,” added Holmes, whose latest run-out came in the Tigers’ 32-22 win over Chase and the Vikings on Friday. “I hadn’t played many Super
League games TREVOR BAXTER before going to Batley but it helped get me that experience.
“It was a challenge at Oxford. They were struggling but once I got some game-time it was good for me to try and control a team and be around players.
“So I’m really grateful Daryl has given me the opportunity to start a few games since Rangi left. It’s really helped.
“I’ve listened and I’m just trying to string some consistent games together.”
Playing alongside England star Luke Gale has been another privilege for Holmes.
“Watching Luke in training, you learn a lot. But playing at the side of him is something you dream of. I’m desperate to cement that spot in the team.”
Leigh gained a first-ever Super League away win at Hull on Friday and Holmes knows Cas face a testing 80 minutes in front of the Sky cameras.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this league and there have been some big upsets,” he said. “But we want to win something this year and I can really see it happening.”