Shenton double drives Tigers to victory
7 Feb 2019
Castleford made it two wins from two to start the new Super League season with a 26-18 win at Hull FC.
Tigers captain Michael Shenton scored two of his side's five tries and, despite Paul McShane's three missed conversions, the visitors handed Hull their second defeat of the season.
Castleford took control with early tries from Shenton and Jesse Sene-Lefao to race into a 10-0 lead.
Passion and emotion 🙌
These wins are what our amazing athletes put the hard work in for 💪 @JesseSene #Family #NewBeginnings #SLHulCas pic.twitter.com/2asXOxCUHN
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 7, 2019
But Hull turned things around swiftly to get their noses in front, as Joe Westerman and Jake Connor crossed with both efforts being converted by Marc Sneyd.
Shenton crossed again on the stroke of half-time to restore Castleford's lead with his 100th Castleford try in Super League as he was brilliantly set up by quick hands from Jacob Trueman.
100 @CTRLFC tries in Super League for @mshenton22 🙌✔??#SLHulCas #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/YhXS8NVXJK
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 7, 2019
James Clare's try shortly after the interval extended their advantage and substitute Junior Moors took the score to 24-12 after latching onto McShane's kick through.
Hull FC threatened to launch a comeback, Jordan Lane striking from the bench to cut the arrears to six points, but Jordan Rankin's penalty put Castleford out of reach at 26-18.
Castleford head coach Daryl Powell said:
"We showed a lot of character and there was a fair bit of spirit out there," Powell said. "Our decision making with the ball wasn't great and put us under a bit of pressure.
"Overall, it's early in the season and we've won two games. We've had to dig deep to keep the two teams we've played out and we've done that pretty well."
"We go again" ??
Not the result @hullfcofficial & Jamie Shaul wanted, but the the Betfred Man of the Match is determined to keep going #NewBeginnings #SLHulCas pic.twitter.com/1JUHBizySV
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 7, 2019
Hull FC head coach Lee Radford said: "We had enough opportunities to score and we just need to snag a win from somewhere.
"I was disappointed with the start we made, it really hurt us. I hope our luck turns soon and the bounce of the ball goes our way."
