York Knights find their 'DNA' in derby showdown with Castleford Tigers
YORK KNIGHTS coach Mark Applegarth believes his players have potentially laid a platform following their win at Castleford Tigers.
York scored three second-half tries as they came from behind to beat their hosts 20-14.
The Knights led early when Semi Valemei crossed in the corner but the hosts edged ahead at the OneBore Stadium when Cody Hunter crashed over from close range for a self-converted try.
Castleford extended their advantage to 10-6 before the interval as Jason Qareqare – earlier on the receiving end of a crusher tackle from Sam Wood, who was sinbinned – scored out wide. Tom Weaver converted.
York rallied after the break and made their pressure tell when Oli Field touched down to level the scores and David Nofoaluma forced his way over for another just after the hour.
The Knights took a decisive lead when Scott Galeano pounced after Qareqare failed to claim a high kick.
Valemei grabbed a difficult bouncing ball to give the Tigers late hope by scoring his second, with Hunter again converting, but Qareqare’s last-gasp attempt in the corner was ruled out.
Qareqare was awarded a penalty for a high tackle after losing the ball as he dived for the line, but it was not enough to prevent the Tigers slipping to defeat.
Applegarth was pleased with his side’s response after last week’s 72-20 loss to Wigan.
“That is more like the the York we want to be," said Applegarth. “That’s back to our DNA – showing up for each other, covering our mates’ mistakes and showing plenty of heart and spirit.
“We knew we needed to be better in the second half and I can’t credit the lads enough.
"It’s a platform for us to build off. Getting 72 points put past you is never nice and it is good to see us bounce back.”
Castleford coach Ryan Carr – while disappointed – insisted the defeat was not a step backwards for his team
“It was schoolboy stuff,” said Carr. “We came here to play the game we wanted to play and were doing it really well in the first half, winning the battle for field position, but then we don’t make kicks, kick it out on the full – schoolboy.
“It’s not a step backwards. We played physically, our effort areas were great but when you have to defend that much in a game, things are going to happen.”