Season: 25/26

Rotherham vs Castleford RUFC

Match Report: Castleford RUFC 12–37 Rotherham Phoenix
Castleford RUFC battled hard but ultimately came up short against a strong Rotherham Phoenix outfit, falling 37–12 in a physical encounter. Rotherham were the better side throughout, controlling territory and showing sharpness in attack, but Castleford’s grit and determination never wavered.
The hosts defended stoutly for long periods and were rewarded when second rower Dec Hobson powered over twice from close range, showcasing his trademark strength. Ian Mattison added the extras to one of the scores.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Castleford. The back row duo of Kean Hiscock and colt Joao Balde worked tirelessly, while fellow colt Will Kilburn impressed with his physicality. Enley Speight-Baines, another talented colt, was deservedly named Player of the Match after carrying relentlessly and leading the resistance with real intent.
A tough day on the scoreboard, but a performance full of character and promising displays from Castleford’s emerging young talent.

Castleford vs Dearne Valley

Match Report: Castleford RUFC 26 – 29 Dearne Valley RUFC
Castleford RUFC fell just short in a thrilling contest at Willowbridge Lane, losing 26–29 to a well-drilled Dearne Valley side despite a spirited late comeback.
The home side made a strong start, dominating the early exchanges. Their pressure was rewarded when prop Dec Hobson powered over from close range after a series of pick-and-goes near the line. Fly-half Ian Mattison added the extras to give Castleford an early 7–0 lead.
However, the momentum soon shifted as Castleford’s discipline began to falter. A string of penalties allowed Dearne Valley to establish territory and build a commanding lead, taking full advantage of Castleford’s infringements to rack up points.
With time running out, Castleford mounted an impressive fightback. Number 8 Mikey Firth broke from the back of a scrum and offloaded brilliantly to scrum half Jarrod Dixon, who crossed for the team’s second try, converted again by Mattison. Moments later, Firth himself picked up from another scrum and crashed over in the corner to narrow the gap further.
Sensing a turnaround, Castleford continued to push. Centre Charlie Kaye then pounced on a perfectly weighted kick through from Mattison to touch down, with the conversion bringing the hosts within striking distance.
Despite their late surge, Castleford ran out of time as Dearne Valley held firm in the closing stages to secure the 29–26 victory.
Player of the Match: Mikey Firth — A dominant display from the Number 8, who was instrumental in Castleford’s comeback with a try, an assist, and relentless work around the park.

Castleford vs Knottingley

Match Report: Castleford RUFC 37 – 17 Knottingley (Cup Fixture)
In a thrilling local derby, a severely depleted Castleford RUFC side produced a heroic performance to claim a 37–17 cup victory over Knottingley, despite being able to field only the bare fifteen.
From the first whistle, Castleford showed determination and grit. The front row of Dec Hobson, Jamie Owens, and Kieran Nash were immense, playing the full 80 minutes without rest — a testament to their stamina and commitment.
The game’s opening try came through winger Lex Leadeatt, who showed blistering pace to scorch into the corner after good hands from centres Charlie Barker and Jordan Rice move. Fly-half Ian Mattison coolly slotted the touchline conversion, setting the tone for his outstanding kicking display.
Castleford’s second try came via scrum half Jarrod Dixon, finishing superbly after a powerful surging run from skipper Jamie Owens, who led from the front all afternoon. Again, Mattison added the extras.
Momentum continued to swing Castleford’s way when Number 8 Mikey Firth crashed over for a deserved try, taking advantage of a brilliant line break from Lex Leadeatt. Mattison again converted.
As Knottingley fought to get back into the contest, Mattison kept Castleford’s score ticking with three well-struck penalties, including an effort from halfway that effectively put the game out of reach.
The final blow came when Owens showed quick thinking, taking a smart tap penalty to dart under the posts for Castleford’s fifth try — once again converted by Mattison.
Knottingley kept coming back and didn’t give up throughout and scored some well worked tries. However, every Castleford player dug deep in what was a Herculean team performance, with special praise for the forwards who refused to tire.
Player of the Match deservedly went to Mikey Firth, whose tireless work rate and impact on both sides of the ball epitomised the Castleford spirit.
Despite their limited numbers, Castleford showed heart, unity, and skill in abundance — a performance that will be remembered for a long time at Whitwood Common Lane.

Castleford RUFC Vs Hornsea

Match Report: Castleford RUFC 35–12 Hornsea RUFC

Castleford RUFC delivered a commanding performance to claim a 35–12 victory over Hornsea RUFC, showcasing a blend of power up front and sharp execution in the backs.

Full back McKenzie Coulson opened the scoring with a superb solo try, cutting through the Hornsea defence to touch down under the posts. Winger Ben Mayes soon added a second after a great break by Charlie Barker, before fellow winger Lex Leadeatt finished off a sweeping counterattack to give Castleford a strong lead.

Joao Balde powered over from close range after sustained pressure from the forwards, and Charlie Kaye added a fifth try with a neat finish in midfield.

The pack set the platform throughout, with Dec Hobson, Joao Balde and Liam Hands outstanding in the tight exchanges and breakdown. Their dominance up front gave fly half Mikey Firth the space to control the game superbly — his game management, distribution, and kicking earning him the Player of the Match award.

Hornsea battled hard, but Castleford’s composure and cohesion ensured a comfortable and well-earned victory.

Castleford RUFC vs Burley

Match Report: Castleford RUFC edged out 18-17 by Burley RUFC
Castleford RUFC suffered a narrow 18-17 defeat away at Burley RUFC in a fiercely contested encounter that went right to the final whistle.
Tries from captain Mark Poppleton, colt Lex Leadeatt—on a memorable senior debut—and back rower Liam Hands had Castleford in control for large parts of the game. However, the momentum shifted midway through the second half when Castleford were reduced to 13 men following red cards to Ian Mattison and Kyle Kesik.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Castleford continued to battle bravely, with the defence standing strong under sustained Burley pressure.
Player of the Match honours were shared between two outstanding colts: Joao Balde, who was a physical presence throughout in the back row, and Leadeatt, whose pace and composure made a big impact on the wing.