REPORT: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls

Castleford Tigers bounced back with a 40-28 victory against Bradford Bulls on Thursday night, at a bouncing OneBore Stadium.

It was Super League’s 30 Years round, and it began with a commemorative pennant shared between the sides.

After kick-off, the Bulls went into an early lead through Esan Marsters after a high kick on the last, and this was converted by Luke Hooley.

However, this didn’t last long - a smart move down the left was polished off by Jason Qareqare in the corner, and an excellent touchline conversion brought the scores level.

Semi Valemei was then close to scoring after a Darnell McIntosh pat down, but some remarkable defence denied him - before Luke Hooley slotted a penalty kick down the other end to push the away side ahead by two - before doing the same thing just a few minutes later to make it 10-6.

A period of indiscipline continued, but when it was the Bulls’ turn to make handling errors, a push up the field resulted in another quick move down the left, ended up with another Qareqare finish in the corner - and another smart conversion from wide for Weaver put Cas in the lead.

Some big hits from the Tigers had pushed the Bulls back, but a remarkable break down their right from Jayden Nikorima was finished off by Joe Mellor, giving Luke Hooley an easy extra two.

Just before half-time, a Weaver kick was batted down by Zac Cini, and a good pass out right game Darnell McIntosh a try down the right!

Straight after, it was yet another! A great break down the left was finished off by that man again, Jason Qareqare, who completed his hattrick! Tom Weaver then completed a hattrick of fantastic conversions from wide, and at half-time, the Tigers lead by six.

HALF-TIME: Castleford Tigers 22-16 Bradford Bulls

The second half started brilliantly - a penalty for a high tackle was capitalised on by George Lawler, who scored after running a great line, then Tom Weaver ran through the Bulls defence like a three-quarter to extend the lead! Both between the sticks, both easy conversions!

A number of six-agains then meant the Tigers could continue to push, and Zac Cini linked up with the right edge to send Darnell McIntosh through again!! Try scored - and converted expertly again.

A penalty for the away side gave them a chance to attack, and quick hands down the right gave Luke Hooley a try against his former side, which he converted.

It then took a long time for either side to get a foothold, but eventually Waqa Blake danced his way through the Cas defence to reduce the deficit - or so he thought! The video ref deliberated, and it was disallowed for offside.

But that was it! The Tigers held on, for a much-needed victory.

FULL-TIME: Castleford Tigers 40-28 Bradford Bulls