Tigers tamed by the Dragons

Three second-half tries from the Catalans Dragons ensured Castleford Tigers made a losing return to the engage Super League.

Having spent the past season out of the spotlight in the National Leagues, Castleford had secured their return before the end of the promotion and relegation system.

And they seemed on course to making a winning comeback - as tries from Stuart Donlan and Michael Shenton saw them lead 12-2 at the break.

However, the Dragons responded in emphatic fashion with tries from Gregory Mounis, Jason Croker and Thomas Bosc sealing a 21-14 victory - with the winning score coming despite the visitors being down to 12 men.

Les Catalans had taken the lead after 11 minutes when Bosc slotted over a penalty, while Jean-Philippe Baile was held up over the line three minutes later.

However, Castleford finally opened their account on 21 minutes when former Halifax and Huddersfield winger Donlan crossed in the right corner.

Scott Moore's switch at the play-the-ball created the opening while quick hands released Donlan for an easy run-in.

Interception

Joe Westerman converted and he was on target 12 minutes later when Shenton crossed unopposed.

Anthony Thackeray's interception from the Cas 22 had the visitors on the backfoot, however it was Brent Sherwin's clever inside pass that gifted the 21-year-old Shenton an easy walk-in.

However the French dented the home side's confidence immediately after the break when Mounis crossed after a delightful off-load from Jerome Guisset. Bosc converted.

Castleford were rattled and were guilty of losing their discipline - allowing Les Catalans to build the momentum through a series of penalties.

And the visitors made the pressure tell as Croker belied his age as the oldest player in Super League won the race to Bosc's kick ahead on 53 minutes.

Bosc's conversion saw the Dragons into a 14-12 lead, however Westerman levelled matters three minutes later with a penalty.

Castleford's must have thought the game was turning back their way on 65 minutes when David Ferriol was sin-binned - and placed on report - for a high tackle on Thackeray.

However, it was Les Catalans who found the decisive score with Bosc crashing over and adding the conversion.

Any hopes the Tigers had of at least snatching a draw were brought to an end on 75 minutes when Ryan McGoldrick was sin-binned - with Bosc slotting over a crucial drop-goal a minute later.