In desperate need of points going into the Christmas break Stocksbridge came out of the blocks quickly, and with a full strength pack in attendance began launching a barrage of forward runners into the Castleford defence. As a result a shot at goal was awarded. Scott Bowskill missed the mark narrowly, but the feeling amongst the players was positive early on.

Shortly afterward a further penalty was awarded in a similar position as Castleford failed to release the ball in the ruck. This time Bowskill trusted the forwards and kicked to the corner. A textbook line out allowed the driving maul to be set cleanly, they then drove the Castleford pack beyond their own line for Ben Brown (sponsored by Sid’s Fish Bar) to score the first try of the game. The game resumed at 5-0 as the conversion faded outside the far post.

Man of the Match Matt Nesbit increased the home side’s lead 20 minutes in with a try to remember. Plucking the ball from a scrum 30 metres out he careered through several Castleford defenders, none so much as altering the big man’s stride before reaching the line. The extras were added to take the deficit to 12 points.

Castleford responded with a spell of possession before half time, but thundering tackles from Matt Nesbit and Pete Newton in the back row and David Brown in the centres meant the yards were hard to come by. A penalty conceded at the breakdown allowed the visitors to kick themselves into the 22, where again the Bridge defence kept them at bay. After several phases of faultless defence Castleford were quickest to react to a free kick and swiftly found the winger in the wide channel to bring the scores to 12-7.

There was enough time in the half for Bowskill to add another three points from the tee, taking the lead beyond a single score at 15-7.

The Pigs would have wanted to chase the bonus point in the second half, but they will have relished keeping a proficient attacking side such as Castleford scoreless across the 40 minutes. Stocksbridge came closest, however, working a golden opportunity out wide after several well executed phases brought them into the 22. Alas, the ball was knocked forward and the try went begging.

The penalty count against Stocksbridge mounted up, yet the outstanding defence made for any disadvantage caused, much to the frustration of Castleford.

The team will be looking for the travelling support of the “flying piglets” as they head over to Leeds Modernians this weekend for a must-win fixture before the Christmas break.

Match report by Michael Quinn