Castleford take the victory in round 11 despite Salford’s renewed energy in the second half which earned them 3 tries and plenty of cheers from the away stand.
Salford played well throughout the 80 minutes but weakness in their defence allowed the Tiger’s to pass through too many times for them to make up for in attack.
It wasn’t all woe for the Reds though as they managed to get three tries in the second half, two of which by the return of Nene Macdonald in the line-up.
The reds made a strong start to the match, pushing past the half-way line before a high tackle on Ormondroyd gave them a penalty.
Starting a second set 10 away, a good run and pass by Macdonald almost got them through but Foster was tackled just short of the line and the set ended with a goal line drop out.
Castleford were given a penalty which lead to a try by Hoy as he pushed through the tackle in the left corner, giving the home side the first points of the game.
In a rush to play the ball, the Tigers gave away a penalty and, with an unsuccessful Captain’s Challenge, Salford regained possession. Unfortunately, their attack was stopped short.
Hoy caught an attempted chip but knocked on as he ran, giving Salford possession as they played on. It looked hopeful for the Reds once again but the set ended without reward.
Cini was next win the scoreboard as he caught his own team’s kick and, with a lack of defenders to stop him, he dove over the line.
Salford had another positive run as Macdonald broke through the Castleford defence and offloaded to Brierley who got the ball down to the right wing.
Castleford pushed themselves a further six ahead with a try by Senior who beat Salford to the line, scoring in the left corner just before being pushed into touch.
With only minutes left in the first half, the Tigers got their next try as Hoy made the leap over the line. Milnes kicked his fourth conversion which brought the score to 24-0 at half time.
Salford once again started off the half strong as Ryan made a break right down the pitch before being tackled. Though this set didn’t end as hoped, their next sure did.
Foster brought Salford back into the game with a great run through the defence and under the sticks to ground the ball.
Nene continued Salford’s comeback as they fought to the line and he managed to dive over the whitewash in the right corner.
At the other end of the pitch, the travelling Salford fans went wild with continuous chanting and screaming for their side.
Castleford didn’t let Salford’s renewed energy go unrivalled as they pushed back into the Reds’ half. Foster made a try-saving tackle, however, on the next play, Mustapha managed to get their fifth try off the game.
Their lead was furthered once again as Hoy grounded a chip just before Nikorima could reach the ball.
A Salford knock on, and unsuccessful Captain’s Challenge, lead to Castleford scrum which got the home side 10m out before being stopped short.
After catching an offload, Mellor added his name to the scoreboard as he crossed and ran under the sticks.
In the final five minutes, the Reds continued fighting and pushing the Tigers back to their own line which led to Macdonald getting his second of the match, again in the left corner.
To end the game, Castleford scored their eighth try as Asi ran over the line and grounded the ball with ease to leave the score at 48-16.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Ethan Ryan, Chris Hankinson, Esan Marsters, Jonny Vaughan, Nene Macdonald, Jayden Nikorima, Ryan Brierley (C), Jack Ormondroyd, George Hill, Harvey Makin, Matty Foster, Toby Warren, Joe Shorrocks
Interchanges: Sam Davis, Justin Sangare, Harvey Wilson, Tiaki Chan
Tries: Foster, Macdonald (2)
Conversions: Brierley (2/3)
Castleford Tigers XIII: Tex Hoy, Josh Simm, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior, Deajarn Asi, Rowan Milnes, Tom Amone, Liam Horne, George Lawler, Joe Westerman, Alex Mellor, Muiz Mustapha
Interchanges: Sam Hill, Louis Senior, Brad Singleton, Chris Atkin
Tries: Hoy (3), Cini, Senior, Mustapha, Mellor, Asi
Conversions: Milnes (8/8)
HT: 24-0
FT: 48-16
