STEP ON THE CAS

It’s full steam ahead as pace ace Gale plots raid on Vikings

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LUKE GALE is on fire – but isn’t quite sure where the scorching pace is coming from.

The Castleford scrum-half has grabbed four tries in three games, two thirds of his entire Super League total for last season.

The 28-year-old England star’s speed has also stunned some fans and Gale admits he has surprised himself.

He said: “I do not know where my speed is coming from, the older I get. Our conditioner Ben Cooper says I have to give him the credit.

“To be honest I prefer setting tries up. But we’re playing some good footy and I’m backing up and getting on the end of a few tries.”

Cas have pace to burn throughout the backs and go hunting a fourth successive win at Widnes tomorrow.

Impressive

Gale added: “We are on fire and everyone has been outstanding, but it’s up to us to back it up week by week.

“Widnes got a good point last week and we cannot underestimate them. Denis Betts gets them playing some good footy.”

The Vikings have yet to win after three rounds but picked up an impressive point in Catalans last Saturday.

The Dragons clocked up a 14-0 lead as they went in search of a third successive win but Widnes battled back to draw 14-14.

Centre Chris Bridge, who has been switched to the halves because of injury problems, said: “At 14-0 we would have taken a point.

“But we ended up feeling like it was a loss. We are disappointed we did not come away with the two points.”

Cas coach Daryl Powell admits he is wary even though the Vikings are one of only two teams in Super League without a win.

He said: “I’m expecting a fast game. The surface is a fast one and I think it will be a tough game.

“They nearly beat Wigan there a couple of weeks back and they fought their way to a draw against Catalans away in really difficult conditions. They’ve lost a few troops but they are fighting hard. They are a really hard-working side who will be a real challenge for us.”

Wakefield will be keen to prove a point to Salford in tomorrow’s other Super League game. Trinity feel they did not get credit for their topeight finish last year, with critics claiming Salford, who had points deducted for breaking the salary cap, deserved it instead.