Castleford 16 - 10 Aireborough

Aireborough travelled to Castleford in good spirits this Saturday, knowing that they were more than capable of turning their start to 2018 around, having lost their two opening encounters since the New Year.

Buoyed by the return of Jonny Mackey (sponsored by Dave Greenwood) to the squad after a week's break (rib), the backline also boasted Tom Copsey on the wing, and the re-introduction of Tom Holdsworth to the bench for the first time this season.

Aire started the brighter. Dominance up front was evident, and with a show of quality set piece and tight play in the opening half, Aire put in a performance to be proud of. Having shown resolute defence against wave of Castleford attack, captain Ollie Catherall (sponsored by Scoff) intercepted and went nearly the length of the field. A quality chase from backs and forwards forced a mistake and Aire had territory. And were ruthless - a catch and drive, coordinated by scrum half Stu Wilson (sponsored by Greg Marchbank and Paul Exley), was dotted down by Adam Jackson (sponsored by Pizza House).

Conversion missed. 0-5 to Aire.

From the kick off Aire found themselves in Castleford territory, and with an infringement 40m out, Aire looked to open the lead to 8 points with a shot at goal, which was unfortunately pulled wide.

Aire continued to press, and minutes later, worked up the field and following a number of phases in the forwards, Tom Pendriss (sponsored by Ilkley Dental Care) hit a superb line, and taking the ball flat Aire forwards piled in behind and drove him over for their second score. Conversion missed, 0-10.

Castleford's kicker then showed Aire would pay for infringements within 45m of their own line, and neatly slotted a penalty from that range following a midfield Aire infringement.

Half time came, 3-10 with Aire on top.

The half time team talk was about playing smart rugby, the job not being done and carrying on the second half as Aire had started the first. But this was not to be the way the game played out.

Early in the second half, Cas gained field position from a series of Aire penalties, and with ball in Aire's 22m, Cas caught Aire flat and their classy outside centre went under the sticks. Conversion good, all square at 10-10.

Aire then proceeded to give away another string of penalties, and appeared to be on the wrong side of the man in the middle. Cas took full advantage, and slotted two further penalties taking them to a 16-10 lead, and the clock was against Aire.

With a couple of opportunities left on the field already, Aire worked a two great moves down the right (to be penalised for going off feet) and then down the left, where having spotted space in behind winger Tom Copsey chipped on, to be tackled without the ball preventing him dotting down in the in goal - resulting in a 22m to Cas. From the restart, Aire charged the 22m drop out, but were adjudged to have gone over the 22m and the kick was retaken.

Aire continued to play, but errors at linout time, and with Cas finding a way to manage the scrum more effectively, Aire's penalty count ended the decisive factor.

FT: Castleford 16-10 Aire

Credit to Castleford for the clinical second half performance. Lots of promise for Aire, especially the first half showing, which earned a losing bonus point.

MoM: Nick Jackson (sponsored by Furniture Clinic) was singled out by Castleford for his carrying throughout the afternoon.

Chris Chapman took the Brown Ale award for an incredulous kick through: with an overlap to his left, the kick went out on the full (Chappers is currently unsponsored - please contact Rich Lister for sponsorship opportunities).

Notable mentions must be made of the performances of Jonny Hiles (sponsored by Large), Phil Shopland-Reed (sponsored by WKH Plastics) and Tom Pendriss (sponsored by Ilkley Dental Care) who's work-rate, tackle count and carrying throughout the game were superb.

Next week sees a home tie against local rivals Leeds Mods who will be fresh from a week off having had their fixture postponed for weather on Saturday. ko 2.15pm Saturday 27 January at Nunroyd Park.