Matterson hails 'ugly' win

Morgan laments first-half display as Tigers tear apart Robins

Last updated: 6th July 2008

Castleford Tigers Terry Matterson

Matterson: Keen to avoid wooden spoon

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Castleford coach Terry Matterson admitted it wasn't pretty against Hull KR but was happy just to record an 18-10 win at the Jungle.

Firts-half tries from Luke Dorn, Michael Shenton and Peter Lupton helped the Tigers roar to an 18-0 lead by the break.

Although Rovers threatened a recovery with scores from Mick Vella and Jon Steele in the second 40 minutes, the home side held on for the two points.

For Matterson it was the victory that mattered more than the performance as they battle to avoid the wooden spoon in the engage Super League.

Winning ugly

"They gave me two minutes where I was comfortable at the end, but I think I spoke to the boys at the weekend and we talk about our performances a lot, and I said we need a win," he said.

"We've been performing well and not getting the points but we had to win, we had to find a way of winning and it was ugly, it wasn't a pretty match to watch. The conditions made it very difficult.

"We laid the platform in the first half and then stopped playing after half-time so there's plenty to work on still but I'm really pleased.

"It was important because we don't want to finish last."

Rovers coach Justin Morgan admitted his team had left themselves with too much to do in the second 40 minutes.

The Robins, badly depleted by injuries, have now lost seven matches on the spin and face a tall order to clinch a play-off place in the closing weeks of the regular season.

Broken record

"It was very frustrating, our ball security had a lot to be desired in the first half," said Morgan.

"We spilt the ball far too often and gave away a couple of tries from kicks and we weren't at the races in the first half and 18 points is a little too much to claw back on.

"I feel like a broken record because I've said that a couple of times this year.

"We were certainly up for the game but we didn't execute and certainly didn't have the same desire as Castleford."