Sunday 20th July 08

Castleford Tigers coach Terry Matterson revelled in his side’s attacking prowess after they ran in 13 tries in a 66-12 demolition of Harlequins at the Stoop.

Producing a pacy brand of free-flowing rugby, the visitors belied their bottom of the league position to crush their faltering hosts.

And Matterson demanded that his charges use this display as a springboard to climb the table.

Matterson said: “Everyone knows we can play some really good attacking football but our defence was also excellent today.

“There is no reason for us to be complacent – you just have to look at the table.

“But we are trying to get off the bottom and if we can continue playing like this then anything’s possible.”

Castleford took advantage of an inexperienced Quins side, bereft of eight regulars due to injury and suspension, to rack up the points.

And the Tigers coach was delighted his side had not eased up.

He added: “We understood that they had a lot of difficulties, especially out wide and we took advantage of that.

“But we still had to perform – and I thought our forwards did a great job of laying the platform and the backs got their reward.

“We continued to be direct and we ran hard and it was great to watch.”

The Castleford backs feasted on some woeful defence as Richard Owen, Luke Dorn and Michael Shenton all claimed hat-tricks.

Further Tigers tries came from Stuart Donlan, Ned Catic, Ryan McGoldrick and Michael Wainwright as the visitors went in at the break 28-12 up and then stretched away after the interval.

All the hosts had to show for a poor display was first-half scores from Chris Melling and Jonny Grayshon.

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott refused to condemn his side, insisting it was merely a game too far for his young players.

McDermott said: “We have a lot of young players in there and you cannot leave them in there week-in, week-out.

“These guys need a rest but we do not have the option of doing that.

“It is too easy to accuse people.

“But these guys have to show up every single week and keep putting their bodies on the line and I am proud of them for that.”