News

Posted: Friday 24th September 2021

Jasmine Bell previews Women’s Super League semi-final

Castleford Tigers Women are in their second Women’s Super League semi-final in as many seasons as they face St. Helens at The Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 1:15pm.

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Tickets are available HERE and the match will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix!

To preview the contest, Cas star Jasmine Bell has claimed that she and the rest of the girls are ready for battle and explained why they won’t be feeling the pressure on Sunday.

“To be fair the camp has been really good! Everyone is really positive, and we’ve been working on a few key things in training, so we are looking good going into the game.

“People see us as underdogs going into the semi final and that is the beauty going into it because everybody has written us off. That means there is no pressure on us, so we’ve just got to go out and enjoy our rugby. We’ve got nothing to lose because there is a lot of pressure on Saints.”

It has been a difficult year for everyone with the strains that the Covid pandemic has brought, especially for the women’s team who have experienced disruptions due to the virus which has stopped them playing and training at times.

Even though 2021 has been a challenging period, Jasmine put forward that she has been enjoying her rugby this campaign and is delighted for her teammates to get to the last 4.

“When we have been able to get on the field this year and play some rugby, it has been really good. We have learnt so much as a team this year. New players have come in and it has been a good opportunity for people to really step up and get some game time.

“There have been lots of things that we have had to overcome as a team this year but that has only brought us closer together. I think we have done really well because even with all the things we have been through this season, we have still got to a semi-final. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the girls. I am so proud to be a part of it.

“Getting into the top 4 has been a great achievement because I don’t think anyone thought we would get to the semi-finals.”

Sunday will provide a tough test for the Fords as they come up against a St. Helens side who have secured the Challenge Cup and League Leaders Shield double this season, however, Jasmine put forward that the Tigers will take the game to their opponents.

“Saints are a great team, but we have to go into that match thinking that they are beatable. If you go into the match thinking that you’re going to get beaten, you might as well no turn up on gameday.”

The clash being shown live on Sky Sports ensures the women’s game will receive fantastic exposure and the Castleford forward voiced her delight on what will be a brilliant occasion for the team.

“It is an amazing opportunity for all of the women playing on the weekend. To have both semi-finals broadcasted on T.V is amazing and when I first started playing, I thought it was something that would never happen. Now we are in 2021 and both are getting broadcasted live which shows the sport is growing each year.”

With many of the Fords faithful ready to make the trip over to Lancashire, Jasmine stated just how much their incredible support means to the entire squad.

“It is amazing! When we played against Leeds at home it was the first time I had played at The Jungle. The fans that came and the noise that they made was absolutely amazing, I have never experienced anything like it before. We are grateful to any Cas fans that are going to be coming on Sunday.”