CASTLEFORD TIGERS were given an early lesson in the harsh realities of life in the engage Super League as Catalans Dragons staged a spirited second-half comeback to spoil the party mood in West Yorkshire.
Last season's National League champions saw a 12-2 interval lead whittled away by the game Perpignan side, whose superior discipline and steely nerve proved more than a match for the home team's ebullient enthusiasm.
Having dominated the second tier throughout 2007, Castleford will need to relearn the importance of composure in their first year back in the top flight, a season which sees them start as favourites to finish bottom.
The Dragons attempted to dazzle Castleford with their speed and agility, yet despite the slick distribution of Casey McGuire, the Australian who has taken on the scrum-half role vacated by Stacey Jones, and the direct running of stand-off Thomas Bosc, the home side held their line intact before the break.
A penalty from Bosc was the Dragons' only reward for an opening half filled with flair and adventure, qualities which Castleford also delivered in spades as they dug in to open up a deserved lead with two fine tries. Their first was scored by Stuart Donlan but owed everything to a pinpoint pass from Luke Dorn, who fired the ball out wide for the right wing to collect and go over in the corner.
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Joe Westerman landed the touchline conversion and added a second after centre Michael Shenton had taken a switch-pass from Brent Sherwin and evaded two tacklers to force his way in by the posts.
However, Castleford's enterprise was undermined by their indiscipline and the mounting penalty count against them played straight into the Dragons' hands, gifting the visitors the possession that saw them edge ahead soon after the restart with converted tries by Gregory Mounis and Jason Croker.
A penalty from Westerman levelled the scores and when David Ferriol was sent to the sin-bin with 15 minutes remaining for a high tackle on Thackeray Castleford's spirits were lifted.
However the Dragons made light of Ferriol's absence to steal ahead with a try by Bosc, who converted and added a late drop goal to complete the scoring.
Star man: Casey McGuire(Catalans)
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Castleford:L Dorn; M Wainwright, M Shenton, R McGoldrick, S Donlan; A Thackeray, B Sherwin; M Leafa, A Henderson, M Korkidas, A Guttenbeil (capt), P Lupton, J Westerman. Replacements: S Moore, C Huby, T Haberecht, R Boyle.
Catalans Dragons:C Greenshields; C Stacul, J-P Baile, J Wilson, Y Khattabi; T Bosc, C McGuire (capt); A Chan, A Gorrell, D Ferriol, C Gossard, J Croker, D Carlaw. Replacements: J Guisset, S Raguin, G Mounis, R Casty.
Scorers: Castleford: Tries:Donlan, Shelton Cons:Westerman (2) Pen: Westerman
Catalans Dragons: Tries:Mounis, Croker, Bosc Cons:Bosc (3) Pen:Bosc DG: Bosc
Yellow card: Catalans Dragons:Ferriol (66min)
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Referee:P Bentham (Warrington) Attendance:7,060