Castleford scored two late tries to extend their unbeaten run to nine wins as they secured a much-needed, bonus point victory (24-3) against visitors, Burley, in Yorkshire Three
Despite being understrength, they produced a concerted defensive display that prevented their try-line being crossed.
Oliver Arundel, Jamie Owens and Darran Walker set down a solid front row platform that cancelled out their visitors' well-drilled opposition pack.
Scrum half, James Fox began the cross field move that ended with the first try after five minutes. Outside half, Thomas Egan, coasted up-field before putting a clever grubber kick in behind the visitors’ defensive line. He regathered and sprinted into the corner for the unconverted score.
Bramley attacked near the Castleford line but were penalised for crossing. Further pressure resulted in a kickable penalty but the blustery wind took it wide of the upright.
Owens' powerful run to halfway, set up the second try. Egan received the ball wide and slipped the ball to fullback, Mark Poppleton who slid in at the corner for a 10-0 halftime lead.
Burley exerted their best period of pressure at the start of the second half, and only an excellent last ditch tackle by winger, Lawrence Stevens prevented the score.
The forwards, ably led by skipper, Karl Del Rosario dug deep. Number 8 forward, Nathan Hammond, made several metre gaining runs to reduce the pressure on the try line and coupled this with an avalanche of tackles throughout the game for an eye-catching cameo performance.
Pressure finally rewarded Burley with a penalty kick that reduced the score to 10-3 to put them in with a bonus-point opportunity. Castleford weathered the storm before strong running from flankers, James Catton and Del Rosario fed Fox twenty metres out. Egan received the ball, side-stepped inside, shrugged off four would-be tackles to squeeze in at the side of the posts for a brilliant individual second try. He added the easy conversion.
Castleford had regained the ascendency and channelled their efforts in getting their bonus point try. Second rowers, Jonty Aveyard and Alex Farnham combined to feed centre partners, Nathan Campsill and Jordan Rice whose quick hands created the gap for winger, Bradley Reeves to sidle in unopposed.
Man of the match, Egan added the conversion to seal the 24-3 point victory.