Still no win

By Chris O'Brien
April 26 2009

The Celtic Crusaders came close to securing that illusive Super League win on Sunday – but fell away at the end as Castleford Tigers claimed a 34-22 win at the Brewery Field. A disappointing crowd of 2,857 watched proceedings at the Brewery Field as Cru impressed for an hour before falling away horribly in the closing quarter of a largely open Super League affair.

Cru started brightly and punished some clear Cas complacency to stamp some authority on proceedings early on. Ryan O'Hara scored the game's first try with Damien Quinn converting; before Adam Peek's effort gave Cru a convincing advantage though Quinn's poor kick meant Cru couldn't extend their lead to twelve points.

The Tigers looked out-of-sorts but slowly clawed their way back into proceedings through Ryan Boyle before James Evans' converted try turned the game on their head.

Just as it looked that Cru would slip away, however, a superb solo effort from David Tangata-Toa put John Dixon's men ahead at the break. The Tongan-Australian Surged through the Cas defence and left Cas full-back Richard Owen spinning with a brilliant dummy before steaming home.

Cru were showing some belief in the early second-half exchanges and when O'Hara sealed his brace shortly after the interval the first Super League points looked within grasp.

At 22-12, the next try was always going to be crucial - and it went to the visitors. Kirk Dixon did well to catch half-back Brent Sherwin's fifth-tackle kick and power home before putting over the extras.

Cru were clearly tiring and Terry Matterson's outfit took full advantage. Michael Wainwright put the cap on a fine attacking move as Cas edged ahead, before tries from Ryan McGoldrick and the impressive Sherwin sealed the away side's win.

Cru played well for an hour and comfortably matched an established Super League side who seemed surprised by the way Dixon's men performed.

Full Time - Celtic Crusaders 22-34 Castleford Tigers
Attendance - 2,857

Celtic Crusaders 22-34 Castleford Tigers - 10th SL defeat

Discussion started by CruXIII (IP Logged), 26/04/2009 18:07

CruXIII
26/04/2009 18:07

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

stevec
26/04/2009 20:23

It looked a smaller crowd that the Quins game to me while we were there and the numbers back that up. But from there I was standing those that were there were more supportive and more vocal than the Quins audience.

Today we were back to the "almost side" as opposed the the rather supine performances recently.

Keep the faith!

Reply Quote Report

Terrace-Culture
26/04/2009 20:36

I suppose the Quins game was a Bank Holiday and with the kicking competition they did for the kids I suppose a lot of "one-off" supporters were there. I genuinely think that when Cru doesn't clash with football - Cardiff, Swansea, Newport etc - we get a more vocal crowd.

Reply Quote Report

40:20
26/04/2009 22:39

The Cas fans made the crowd respectable and noisy,

But the facts are there and nothing but some success will bring th crowds in, we are no longer a novelty we are a Super League club who have to earn verything!

Reply Quote Report

ITATE
28/04/2009 03:02

came down on saturday morning stayed at wyndham arms had a good afternoon and an even better night in local pubs hen castle and o'neills meet some great people who made us welcome cant wait to go back next year enjoyed the game on sunday hope you get some results (wins) soon good luck for the rest of the season

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

This is a moderated forum. Your message will remain hidden until it has been approved by a moderator or administrator

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net