Bird silenced by Tigers
Castleford denied Greg Bird a win on his Catalans Dragons debut with a 24-22 victory at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Last Updated: 08/03/09 1:15pm
Castleford continued their fine start to the new Super League season - and ruined Greg Bird's Dragons debut in the process - with a 24-22 win in Perpignan.
James Evans crossed twice for the Tigers but it was substitute Rangi Chase who scored the crucial try of the game with 10 minutes to play.
Kirk Dixon was on target with the conversion that proved the difference between the two sides, Thomas Bosc unable to add the extras after Cyril Stacul's late, late effort had given the hosts renewed hope.
The angle proved too much for the half-back to slot over the kick, meaning Castleford held on for a superb victory - their third in four outings in 2009.
Odd glimpse
The result also stopped Bird celebrating his first outing in Europe with a win, though he did give the odd glimpse of just why both Bradford and Les Catalans had sought to sign him.
Having arrived in France in a hurry during the week, the Australian - who had not been allowed to join the Bulls as he was denied a visa by the British High Commission - started out on the bench.
By the time he came onto the field to make his bow midway through the opening half his new employers were already 4-0 down after Jamal Fakir's knock-on straight from a scrum resulted in Dixon going over.
The winger was unable to add his first conversion attempt but was more successful with his second following Evans' first of the evening.
Bird helped the Dragons respond in style to going 10-0 down, combining with Bosc, who also added the extras, to create an opening for Clint Greenshields.
Richard Owen replied, Brett Ferres setting up the winger on the left, but Cas fell asleep from the resulting re-start, allowing Fakir to answer straight back.
Loose ball
The loose forward atoned for his earlier error having benefited from Jason Croker pouncing on a loose ball from a short kick-off by Bosc.
Having failed to break free, the visitors did build on their 14-12 half-time lead when Evans forced his way over, despite Dimitri Pelo being stuck on his back.
Dixon's kick was off target, though, and when Stacul hacked on to get the home side's third score, Bosc's conversion levelled matters at 18 apiece.
However, Dixon did not make the same mistake after Chase dropped his shoulder to reach the line, striking the ball perfectly to pick up the two points that proved decisive in the final reckoning at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Les Catalans did their best to bag a share of the spoils but, after Stacul dived over, Bosc's boot for once failed him, his effort drifting wide of the right upright.