CASTLEFORD 20, CAT DRAGONS 22

THOMAS BOSC inspired the Dragons to victory - despite a fightback from the Tigers.

Two second-half tries from Clint Greenshields and Dane Carlaw saw the French side edge it. And the boot of Bosc added the extras at key times during the game.

Disappointed Tigers coach Terry Matterson said: "They're a good side and came into it and capitalised. This game is all about 80 minutes and it was there to be won."

Matterson had to put friendship aside at the Jungle against his old Brisbane team-mate Kevin Walters' team.

And his side got off to a superb start. In the fourth minute Rangy Chase hoisted the ball high, Stephen Bell knocked it on and Brett Ferres gratefully grounded the loose ball.

Cries

Chase was on hand for their second on six minutes, as his dummy paved the way for 19-year-old Richard Owen's touchdown. But errors started to creep in as the Tigers tried to score off every set.

Dimitri Pelo got them off the starting block on 22 minutes, thanks to Jean-Philippe Baile.

Bosc kicked the goal among cries of double movement. Baile went on to level things up five minutes later when Ryan Boyle gifted the ball to Olivier Elima.

Owen slid over out wide but referee Ian Smith sought video confirmation and it was ruled the Tigers' player had lost possession before reaching the line.

But two minutes after the interval loose-forward Joe Westerman put Tigers back in front with a penalty and kicked another a minute later.

A kick into the in-goal area by Bosc finally broke down the home defence as Greenshields chased it up for the try. Angry Castleford fans thought it was offside.

Plea

Matterson said: "It is a bonus having the TV and video for a check, so I don't know why we don't use it. I prefer not to comment on the referee."

Supporters were so irate that after the game they called for the ref's head and dispersed only after a plea by chief executive Richard Wright.

Bosc had converted that try to give the French the lead for the first time in the match.

They heaped more pressure on Cas as Mogg and Bosc sent Carlaw over.

Bosc landed the goal but the Tigers hit back with Owen grabbing his second in the corner. But even with the conversion it was too late.

Castleford: Tries: Ferres, Owen 2. Goals: Dixon, Westerman 3. Catalans D: Tries: Pelo 2, Greenshields, Carlaw. Goals: Bosc 3.

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