A derby defeat by Wakefield Trinity Wildcats saw the Tigers relegated from Super League to face the financial uncertainties of life in National League One and at the same time safeguarded the future of Widnes.
To be certain of staying up, Castleford had to beat Wakefield and hope Widnes lost heavily at Hull, but events conspired against a club which only two years ago contested the title-deciding playoffs.
Widnes, who lost 20-18 at the KC Stadium, live to fight another day while Castleford can only reflect on a summer of serial disappointment which brought them just six wins from 28 matches. The defensive frailties that had seen them marooned at the foot of the table since early April once again cost Castleford dear as Wakefield completed a hat-trick of victories in an emotionally charged atmosphere before a crowd of over 11,000 people.
Wakefield, who have enjoyed their best-ever season in Super League by finishing sixth, resisted the temptation to rest key players ahead of this week’s playoff at Hull by fielding a strong line-up which held the hosts 18-18 at the end of a free-scoring first half.
Trinity drew blood before Castleford had even handled the ball, a 40:20 kick from Ben Jeffries regaining them possession following the kick-off before the Australian floated a high kick which enabled winger Semi Tadulala to rise above two defenders to score. The visitors added a second try through Colum Halpenny midway through the half and David March’s conversion restored their lead after the Tigers had threatened to seize the initiative with two scores of their own.
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Both were set up by Brad Davis, the 36-year-old scrum-half who rejoined Castleford in mid-season after a spell in France. He flicked out a sweet pass following a high kick to the corner by Francis Maloney to send in Damian Gibson and then featured prominently in the move that ended with Tom Saxton punishing some poor defence to score. Wayne Godwin, who has been a target of defending champions Bradford Bulls, could not add conversions to either try and his replacement as kicker, Maloney, fared only a little better after Castleford added two further touchdowns through Paul Mellor and Michael Smith.
Maloney did find the target after Smith had burst through to score from a good pass by Davis, but Castleford’s adventure was undone by a costly error just before half-time by Damian Gibson.
There seemed little danger when Gibson covered a clearance kick on his own line. But the full-back fatally fumbled to concede a drop-out that gifted Wakefield the possession from which David Solomona forced his way over from close range.
Solomona, the most inspired overseas signing by any Super League club this season, got a second two minutes after the resumption and when the Kiwi forward sent replacement Paul Handforth over three minutes later the home side were as good as relegated.
A second try from Mellor, the Australian centre who is returning to Cronulla Sharks next season, briefly threatened a fightback, but Wakefield hit back with another score from Halpenny, slick handling by Michael Korkidas and Gareth Ellis putting the winger over.
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The odds were stacked against them but there was no lack of self-belief from the Tigers, who subjected the Wakefield line to an onslaught.
However, but for a late raid by Godwin, who stole in for a try from acting-half, Wakefield’s defence held firm.
Castleford: D Gibson; W Pryce, P Mellor, T Saxton, D Rogers; B Davis, F Maloney; C Greenhill, W Godwin, A Lynch, L Harland, M Smith, R Hudson (capt). Reps: M Tookey, N Sykes, J Hepworth, P Jackson
Wakefield: M Field; C Halpenny, J Demetriou, S Domic, S Tadulala; G Ellis (capt), B Jeffries; C Feather, D March, M Korkidas, D Solomona, D MacGillivray, R Spicer. Reps: D Griffin, P Handforth, O Elima, J Ryder
Scorers: Castleford: Tries: Gibson, Saxton, Mellor (2), Smith, Godwin Cons: Maloney (2)
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Wakefield: Tries: Tadulala, Halpenny (2), Solomona (2), Handforth Cons: March (2), Handforth Pen: March
Referee: I Smith (Oldham)
Attendance: 11,055