Tigers triumph at Salford

Castleford's growing reputation on the road was enhanced as they triumphed 18-12 against Salford at the Willows.

The Tigers took control with two converted tries in the final nine minutes of the first half - Brett Ferres and then Michael Shenton went over as the visitors opened a 12-point lead.

Dean McGilvray gave Salford hope but Kirk Netherton crossed to restore Castleford's two-try advantage and Stefan Ratchford's late effort had little bearing on the outcome.

The Reds almost gifted Castleford an opener with six minutes on the clock when stand-off Jeremy Smith kicked straight at Richard Owen on the last tackle

The Tigers full-back looked to have the legs in a straight race for the line but after travelling 60 metres winger Mark Henry did well to haul him down.

The first points arrived nine minutes before half-time. Ryan McGoldrick was the architect with a great cross-field kick following good work from the Tigers pack.

Second row Ferres took the ball in his stride and, despite a couple of Salford defenders getting to him, he had the momentum and bounced them away on his way to the line.

Shenton try

Joe Westerman added the extras and another touchdown came in the 38th minute as Rangi Chase produced a seemingly harmless cross-field kick. Three Salford defenders stood and watched as Shenton gathered and crashed over.

The Reds finally pulled one back in the 54th minute when Richard Myler grubbered through and winger McGilvray slid in to score. Wilshere slotted over the resulting conversion to halve the deficit.

But the Castleford response came in less than four minutes as the gap became 12 points once more.

Following more good play from the Tigers pack, the Salford defence expected the ball to be spun wide but hooker Netherton caught almost everyone unaware as he threw a great dummy before darting over.

Westerman made it three from three with the boot to restore Castleford's healthy lead.

Wilshere and Ratchford combined for Salford's second of the night as the latter raced between the posts completely unopposed. Wilshere's conversion meant the margin was six points but Castleford held on.