Hughes Sox it to Tigers

Halifax's Jim Gannon gets the ball away under pressure

Halifax Blue Sox 22 - 16 Castleford Tigers

Halifax produced a stunning late comeback at The Shay to beat Castleford Tigers and put an end to their three-match losing run.

The Blue Sox looked down and out at half-time as they trailed 10-2 following a woeful first-half display.

But coach Steve Linnane worked the oracle during the break and Adam Hughes' went over in the 78th minute to clinch victory for the hosts.

Linnane said: "It was very satisfying to get a win. We needed that and we were owed it.

Our completion rate was abysmal and we needed to show more fight

  Halifax coach
Steve Linnane

"We made 11 unforced errors in the first half and you cannot beat any team with figures like that.

"Our completion rate was abysmal and we needed to show more fight in the second half, which we did.

"I cannot complain about anyone in the second half and it was a good tough 40 minutes of rugby."

Opposite number Graham Steadman admitted his side deserved to lose and said: "Halifax were the better side and all credit to them.

Booed off

"Up to 30 minutes we were comfortable but in the second half we lost our shape and formation."

Cas dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead after nine minutes when Simon Lewis went over in the corner for a converted score.

Jamie Bloem landed a penalty for the home side but Danny Orr's brilliance set up a try for the Tiger's Jon Wells and the Blue Sox were booed off at the break.

Halifax came out a different side in the second half and tries for Bloem and winger Ollie Marns saw them take the lead.

Grandstand finish

Another piece of brilliance by Orr saw him skip over under the posts to put the Tigers back in front, but by now the hosts were finally on their game.

Hooker Johnny Lawless crossed and sub Danny Tickle added the extra points to set up a grandstand finish.

And Hughes came up trumps for Halifax as they completed a remarkable second half fightback.