Tigers defeat Salford
February 05, 2012 12:32:43 UK
Castleford began their 2012 Super League campaign with a hard-fought 24-10 triumph over Salford at the new Salford City Stadium.
Rangi Chase starred for Castleford.Two tries from Richard Owen and efforts by Josh Griffin and Adam Milner, along with four goals from Kirk Dixon were enough to give the Tigers victory in a display that impressed new coach Ian Millward.
Matty Smith had given the Reds the perfect start with an early try, and while Matty Ashurst's effort had reduced the deficit it was not enough to stop Cas ruining the party in their first Super League outing at the City Stadium.
Salford's defeat was compounded by the news Wayne Godwin and Stuart Howarth both picked up injuries and head coach Phil Veivers conceded his team had not played to their potential.
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"It was a frustrating performance in the conditions, but they were the same for both sides," said Veivers.
"We scored two nice tries but missed four or five other opportunities and weren’t clinical enough. Cas won the arm-wrestle and were a little better than us.
"Wayne has gone to hospital with a rib injury and Stuart, who had a big match, was knocked out cold when the ball hit him in the face."
Despite the difficult blizzard conditions, Tigers star men Danny Orr and Rangi Chase were still able to display their wide range of talents, and Millward was quick to praise the duo.
It was a big occasion for Salford and we knew it would be a tough task.
Ian Millward
"Some of the ball movement was incredible in the conditions and our halves Danny Orr and Rangi Chase stood up in the second half," said the former St Helens coach.
"It was a big occasion for Salford and we knew it would be a tough task but it was a nice start for our guys who have worked hard in pre-season."
Castleford are 751.00 to win the Super League Grand Final this year, with beaten finalists in 2011 St Helens 7.50.
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