Castleford Tigers claimed the bragging rights in a fiercely competed local derby. On paper this clash was a “friendly” but there’s no such thing between these clubs at any level. Separated by 8 miles the two sides knew this was a must win for all involved. Super League wonderkid Jason Qareqare was the star of the show in what ended up a comfortable afternoon for the visitors.
As the spectators trickled into a redeveloped Belle Vue a sight the visitors dream of seeing happen to their own stadium, Trinity were dealt an early blow in the warm-ups with Harrison Burrows hobbling off down the tunnel. From then onwards nothing went according to plan for Wakefield as Castleford posted the first points of the game. The away side worked it wide to Hugo Nikhata who crossed leaving Jaiden Tag the difficult task of converting. A challenge the youngster stepped up to slotting the ball through the uprights, clipping the crossbar on the way over.0-6
Trinity controlled the game until the half-hour mark as the Tigers struck against the run of play. Alfie Horwell crashed over this time Tag unable to convert from another tough angle. The away side weren’t complaining though as they took a healthy 0-10 lead into the sheds.
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to pounce again after the interval as Jason Qareqare raced down the wing, a sight Super League has seen many times during his young career. The Black and Amber outfit made it 2 tries in as many minutes through debutant Alfie Horwell who was ready and waiting on the inside of Jacob Hookem to stroll under the posts. 0-22.
The hosts deservedly scored their first points of the game through Harvey Smith. The little hooker in his bright yellow boots barged over from close range. 6-22.
That play from Smith who made his first team debut last week turned out to be the last action of the game. With Trinity’s early setbacks, any positive result was going to be hard to come by vs an exciting Castleford. Former Hull KR and Halifax stand-off Scott Murell will be delighted with his sides performance and looking forward the season getting underway.