Academy lose out in final game of 2023

Castleford Tigers’ Academy youngsters suffered defeat to Hull FC in their last game of the season at The Jungle on Saturday.

Cas started the stronger of the two with Alfie Dean hitting a great line to race through and cross for the opener.

The Black and Whites responded shortly after as Westerman found a gap as FC made the most of an opportunity which was handed to them after a high tackle on Charles.

On 16 minutes the away side took the lead and it was Westerman again who collected a kick forward to claim his brace. That was followed by Hull crossing shortly after with Dawson stepping away from a couple of Tigers defenders to run in from 50 metres out.

Hull got the last try of the half as Castleford were punished for not finding touch with a penalty. The ball was shifted into the hands of Dawson who cut in for his second to end the half with the scores at 18-4.

Just as in the first half, Cas began on the front foot. Just three minutes into the second half it was Darley who crossed.

The Tigers backed that try up as they got within two points of the visitors. Windley put a kick through which was played at, and the ball was handed back to the half-back for him to step away to score.

Unfortunately for the Fords, FC replied five minutes later. Sarbah spilt the ball close to their line and Hull capitalised with Ward scoring by the corner post and they extended their lead five minutes later through Dawson.

Cas set up a close finish with some lovely hands allowing space for Hall to dive over in the corner with 10 minutes to go,

The Black and Whites secured the win late on by crossing with 74 minutes on the clock and the Fords got a consolation score with a couple of minutes to go through Evans for the game to end with FC taking the win by 32 points to 24.