TIGERS IN THE HUNT
ENGLAND star Luke Gale kicked nervous Castleford to a first Super League win of the season – much to coach Daryl Powell’s relief.
The Tigers look a pale imitation of the side that reached last season’s Grand Final and won the League Leaders’ Shield at a canter.
Indeed, Vikings half-back Tom Gilmore missed two late drop goal attempts to earn the visitors at least a point.
But Powell urged everyone connected with the club to “chill out” after Cas made amends for a 46-6 opening-night loss at St Helens.
“We needed to win and that’s why we looked a bit nervous at times,” said Powell, as a late Jy Hitchcox try and Gale’s two goals and a drop goal got Tigers out of jail.
“It was a tough week because we are not used to the standard we put out last week. The whole place is a bit nervous and that doesn’t help us.
“Everyone expects us to be on this journey of winning every week, but it is not going to be like last year.”
Opposite number Denis Betts said: “A win would have been the right result. Coming to Castleford and expecting to win, it’s not really the thing you do.
“We came with a purpose and competed with the side that reached the Grand Final and completely dominated the league.”
Castleford plundered 965 points in 30 games prior to the 2017 play-offs and Grand Final.
But they’ve managed three tries and 19 points in their opening 160 minutes of the new campaign. England back-row Mike McMeekin had a try disallowed for obstruction. And Hitchcox dropped a potential try-scoring pass from Michael Shenton before Cas eventually clicked.
Winger Greg Minikin touched down in the final minute of the half, though Gale missed his touchline conversion attempt.
But Vikings refused to go away and Matt Whitley reacted quicker than Ben Roberts to reach Gilmore’s reverse grubber kick.
Gilmore goaled and after 49 minutes last year’s basement boys held a shock lead.
However, with 13 minutes left Jamie Ellis’ high kick was recycled to the left wing where Michael Shenton sent in Aussie Hitchcox.
Gale goaled and added a 68thminute penalty before landing a drop goal from in front of the posts to nudge Cas two scores in front.
Jay Chapelhow’s try and a Gilmore conversion dragged Widnes into contention but Tigers held out.