Saints stunned by Tigers
Luke Dorn's late try gave Castleford Tigers a shock 30-24 victory over St Helens at The Jungle.
Last Updated: 09/04/08 7:17pm
Luke Dorn's late try gave Castleford a shock 30-24 Super League victory over St Helens at The Jungle.
The Tigers were watched from the stands by new signing Dwain Chambers, and the disgraced sprinter witnessed a superb performance, notably from 18-year-old loose forward Joe Westerman.
Westerman scored two of his side's six tries as they outscored their visitors by two.
The focus before the game was all on Chambers, who emerged from the dug-out to a phalanx of photographers 10 minutes before kick-off and was introduced to the crowd.
His presence drew little more than a ripple of applause from Castleford fans who seemed nonplussed and jeers from the St Helens contingent.
Determined
Castleford were vibrant from the outset and clearly determined not to allow the circus surrounding Chambers to overshadow their performance.
In Westerman they had the game's outstanding performer and in the 17th minute he collected Ryan McGoldrick's neat short offload and crossed the line in the right corner.
Westerman added an excellent touchline conversion and three minutes later he embarked on a scintillating run which almost took him clear.
Moments later, however, Castleford had their second try when the influential Dorn flighted a delightful crossfield kick into Saints' left corner.
Francis Meli inexplicably allowed Kirk Dixon to steal in ahead of him and catch the ball to ground with ease.
Westerman could not convert and Saints began to wake up, with youngster Paul Clough taking a pass from James Roby to barge his way under the posts.
St Helens began to build up a head of steam and it came as no surprise when Maurie Fa'asavalu went over from close range shortly after the half-hour mark.
Sean Long converted both tries and Saints edged further ahead two minutes before the break when Matt Gidley sent Ade Gardner over.
Long could not add the extras from a difficult angle and Castleford came out strongly again after the break as Westerman embarked on a run from deep before sending Richard Owen clear on the overlap.
Westerman could not convert the try and Saints stretched their lead soon after when Long, Clough and Leon Pryce combined to send Stephen Tyrer clear down the left flank.
Long added the extras but in the 56th minute Westerman strolled over for his second try. A penalty from Long shortly after the hour mark kept Saints ticking over.
However, Dixon claimed his second and Castleford's fifth try four minutes later after touching down a flighted kick from Dorn.
Craig Huby could not convert and Saints were subjected to further misery in the closing stages as Fa'asavalu was sent off following a confrontation with Huby.
Castleford sealed the points in the closing stages when Dorn scampered clear after Wellens missed the ball and Westerman added the extras to secure a famous success.