Castleford Tigers’ relegation fears worsen as they are beaten again at Hull KR

Castleford Tigers suffered their 16^th defeat in 20 Super League games this season as they were comfortably beaten by Challenge Cup finalists Hull KR at Craven Park.

The Robins looked the better team from the off and opened the scoring when Jez Litten’s kick into the corner wasn’t dealt with by the Tigers and the man of the moment Brad Schneider picked up and found Tom Opacic who touched down in the corner.

Rovers were in again moments later when as Litten was again involved, with his pass finding Rhys Kennedy to make it 10-0 after 18 minutes.

Castleford’s woeful defence continued as they conceded again five minutes later, Mikey Lewis racing clear and finding Kane Linnett to make it 16-0 to the dismay of the travelling support.

To the Tigers credit though they didn’t cave in and they hit back as back-to-back tries before half-time gave them hope – Will Tate crossing first before a superb solo try from Jack Broadbent on the stroke of the break made it 16-10.

The second half belonged firmly to Hull KR though with Elliot Michella’s early try setting the tone for what was to come, with James Batchelor the next man on the score sheet as he stretched out to score and make it 28-10.

Andy Last’s side were now up against it and when Broadbent was sin-binned for a professional foul as the game approached the hour mark, it was now mission impossible – the penalty stretching the score to 30-10.

Just one minute after that Willie Peters men were home and dry as Schnieder again produced a moment of brilliance, the half-backs looping pass finding Ethan Ryan for another four-pointer.

Castleford did get a consolation try from Greg Eden with five minutes to go, but it was the Robins night as they backed up their Challenge Cup heroics with a crucial league win that boosts their playoff hopes – KR staying in that crucial sixth place and moving up to 22 points.