Yorkshire Division Three: Castleford 17 Baildon 12

WITH Danny Pollard (teeth), Will Tomlinson (impending fatherhood) and Matty Dixon (concussion) all ruled out, Baildon knew that a trip to classy Castleford would be a good test of their strength in depth.

The warning signs were there at the first scrummage as the Baildon pack went backwards, scrappy ball being tidied up by Dan Cookson.

The hosts went ahead with an easy try inside five minutes following a chip ahead but, despite a creaking scrummage and loose discipline, the Baildon line-out was on form, with Tom Peel and James Fox disrupting and stealing opposition ball.

Castleford then lost Billy Westerman to an unlucky yellow card for a high tackle but although Baildon couldn't take immediate advantage, they did so after JJ O'Connell and later Matty Robinson had run the ball back, Cookson and Adam Hewitt then sucking in defenders to create a massive overlap on the right for Nathan King to score, O'Connell converting from the touchline.

Sam Robinson was then yellow-carded in midfield for obstruction, reducing both sides to 14 men.

Baildon then showed their patience, building phases with several drives for the line before a gap appeared, O'Connell committing the last defender before passing to Fox, who could not be stopped.

Tom Stanley gave way to Tom Massey (tactical) for Baildon as the second half got underway, with Baildon, leading 12-5, fancying their chances as they were now playing with the sun at their backs.

Castleford's back three, however, collected everything cleanly.

In the last quarter, Robbie Hill pressed too quickly, giving a soft penalty to the home side for offside, and Castleford scored a try, with Baildon stopping as they believed that the home side had knocked on.

The visitors then lost a scrum against the head, Castleford scoring a try to take the spoils.

Baildon showed good defence and spirit, had a functioning line-out and a more precise attack but need to work on their concentration, scrum and tendency to give away soft penalties.