IT was good to record a victory over Castleford last weekend, even if the kick-off time was a bit strange.

It was difficult playing at that time of day because the dew was still on the grass and it made handling very difficult.

At the end we were very pleased to get the results, as Castleford made it very difficult for us.

The other results had gone our way over the weekend and we couldn't afford to waste the opportunity of going four points clear.

The defeats of London and Sheffield had also given the Tigers an outside chance and they came looking for the two points.

When the game was poised at 12-8 it was really physical and it was obvious that the side who scored next would win the game.

I thought that we played very well and it was nice to get off to a good start after the last few games.

The victory gives us a bit of breathing space in our quest for a top five spot but we know what we have to do and we will be hoping to consolidate our position at London this week.

I was very pleased with my own performance. I have been gradually getting back to my last season's form of late and I thought against Castleford that I was very close to it.

Harvey Howard has arrived and what a difference having Harvey around the place will make. He really lifted the team when he came on, even though he was jet-lagged. He will give us a big boost at the right time and, knowing Harvey, he won't take long to settle in.

On a personal note it's good to see him again as we get on really well. Having him and Neil Harmon in the front row brings back a lt of memories.

In fact, what with Jon Scales and Mike Forshaw on the playing staff and Debbie Robinson and Stuart Duffy in the marketing department it's like an ex-Leeds home from home for me.

They obviously appreciate quality at the Bulls.

After the game last Monday all the players went to the Morley Carr Working Mens' Club for a race night.

Chris Hird, of Northside Trucks, one of our sponsors, arranged the evening and it was a big success.

Penguin and Robbie Paul worked very hard at obtaining sponsors for the races, so a big thanks to them and especially to Chris Hird for all the hard work they put in.

We will be making the long trip to London this weekend and we will be travelling on Saturday.

It is important to go down the day before, as the travelling is very tiring. It is something that we will have to get used to now that Gateshead are in the Super League and there is a chance of a Welsh club being included next year.

It is becoming more like soccer with the all the travelling and, while I am on that subject, my team Leeds United, managed a draw in the capital. We will be hoping to go one better and pick up both the points.

There is no league soccer this weekend as there are international games. I am looking forward to watching England and Sweden on television and I feel that England should just about win this one.

Finally I hope that as many supporters as possible can come down to the Stoop on Sunday.

I know that it is difficult with the kick-off time being at 7.05pm, but it is really important to the team to see and hear the fans on the terraces.

There was a big following last season and I would love to see the same again this year.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.