Aire left wondering what might have been

Despite the absence of all-round superstar Richard Holmes, tap-and-go Tom Holdsworth, mystery-man Will Warrington and Canadian James Patterson, the 20 selected to play Castleford were quietly confident going into this week's game at Nunroyd Park.

The last visit by Castleford in 2014 had been a one-sided affair with the visitors winning 71-12. There were to be much fewer points between the sides this time around.

The pre-match briefing from the referee gave an insight into the likely afternoon ahead, with the quotation of law numbers, and a lecture on stud-types that was thoroughly engaging.

The game started with the hosts receiving and a neat exit gave Castleford the ball playing down the slope. One of the game's myriad of penalties was awarded on half-way and Aireborough realised infringements would be costly all afternoon with the Castleford fullback slotting the three points.

Aireborough rallied under the sticks and set about making camp in Castleford's half. Winning penalties of their own, Aireborough opted for an attacking lineout on 5m, which resulted in a baffling decision by the referee - a free kick for the attacking side "closing the gap" with the Castleford forwards not competing as they set up to defend the maul.

Clearing their lines, the Castleford fullback made the most of the decision to peg Aireborough back, forcing them to work back up the hill once more. Aireborough continued to play, giving the backs the ball and stretching the opposition, and whilst looking dangerous, a lack of patience and incision saw the majority of the first half played out in the middle of the pitch between the 22s.

Before half time, from their lineout in the middle of the pitch, Castleford managed to win one, something Chris Chapman and Jonny Hiles had made difficult all day through excellent defensive jumping. Taking it off-the-top the Cas back line threw the ball wide to their left, with their winger dotting down in the corner with their first real possession. The wide conversion missed, and the first half fizzled out ending 0-8.

The half time message was clear. Aireborough, despite the presence of the sponsors, had yet to turn up. With the slope, Aire were still confident of maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. The story of the afternoon was to unfold somewhat differently.

Five minutes into the second half, a dubious penalty for offside (in front of the kicker) gave the excellent Castleford 15 the chance to slot another 3 points. 0-11.

Aireborough then marched down the hill. Winning a string of penalties, Aire continued to turn down three points instead opting for lineouts in the corner, only for the set piece to misfire and continually hand easy possession to the visitors.

When on one of two rare occasions a kick at goal was taken, the three points were missed from in front by the normally excellent Ryan Sample. Jeers then came from the Castleford side as he took an exquisite drop goal in the next play to put the hosts on the board.

A yellow for a deliberate slap-down by the referee... sorry, Castleford 12... then saw Sample bring the hosts back within striking distance 6-11.

Having made their way again to the Castleford 22, Sample was involved once more as the Aireborough halfbacks' love of a tap-and-go was apparent. Unfortunately yet another chance was left begging as the ball was turned over in midfield.

Aireborough then expected. And expected. And in expecting, didn't make the most of their momentum. Castleford however did make the most of their little possession, and going through 4-5 short phases around the ruck, spun the ball wide where Aireborough found forwards defending against backs, insufficient numbers and missed tackles resulting in a score for Castleford in the corner. The conversion was missed, but with 6 mins to play, the clock was against the hosts.

The stop-start affair fizzled out in a fashion that was consistent with the game, the referee's whistle for a non-existent infringement a fitting end to a disappointing afternoon.

The Aireborough 8 had a stern test against a big Castleford pack, and without the ability to dominate set piece didn't exert the pressure they had been able to over previous weeks.

Aire's inability to take chances and be clinical, and the expectation that "it would just happen", ultimately saw Castleford euphoric in victory and Aireborough scratching their heads in losing to the recently relegated Castleford. This says a lot about the Aire side, who were disappointed in narrow defeat against a good side, having not got out of first gear.

Aireborough now sit 3rd in the table behind Knottingley and local rivals Baildon, and travel to Old Modernians next week.