Magic of the Cup restored by Belle Vue thriller claims Kear

They fell in heart-breaking circumstances as winger Kirk Dixon landed a ‘golden point’ extra-time penalty on Saturday as their arch-rivals denied them a place in the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Wakefield had led 16-6 before Castleford fought back to make it 18-18, Dixon’s crucial kick coming later in the 91st minute.

But rather than being despondent, the coach who won the trophy with Sheffield Eagles and Hull said: “It was a cruel way to lose it but I think the game has ignited the Challenge Cup for this year.

“It was a great game of rugby league and the drama and excitement at the end was great.

“It shows how much the Challenge Cup means to the players, the fans, the coaches and everybody.”

He also had no qualms with Richard Silverwood’s ruling that Trinity’s Dale Morton had illegally stolen possession from Willie Isa in the final act of the first period of extra-time.

“I thought he reefed the ball out and that was the decision of the referee,” said Kear. “Congratulations to Kirk Dixon. I thought he showed great composure to kick it from there.

“He’s the hero and good on him.”

Indeed, Castleford coach Terry Matterson was quick to praise his winger after his effort rescued the tie.

It had been a battle of the kickers with Josh Veivers – only playing after regular full-back Matt Blaymire pulled out with a dead leg – kicking five goals from as many attempts, the last of which on 70 minutes restored Trinity’s lead.

But Dixon, who had argued with Silverwood when a conversion that appeared to go over earlier was ruled wide, levelled again in the 77th minute, sending the match into extra-time.

A succession of missed drop goals from both sides saw tensions rise but ex-Hull FC wideman Dixon held his nerve.

“I thought the one before went over and he thought so as well,” said Matterson. “He’s worked really hard on his goal-kicking and I knew he was going to kick that last one.

“I’m really pleased for Kirk. A year-and-a-half ago he had a blood clot in his calf and he had six months out of the game.

“He’s worked so hard on his goal-kicking and that’s the culmination of it. It’s a good lesson for all our guys whatever their position or whatever the skill – if you continue to work hard, you’ll get better.”

Castleford chose to play with the wind behind them after captain Danny Orr won the toss and Matterson was relieved the tie did not go to a second period of extra time. “If it had gone into the next 10 minutes, it would have been a bit of a worry for us.

“We were going up against that tough breeze and it was hard to get out of that area.”

It was Castleford’s first win in six games and reaching the quarter-finals – they have not made the final since 1992 – should bolster their chances of gaining a Super League licence when they are announced around the same period.