Castleford 36 – 12 Thorne
Insulation Direct Arena
Our home ground and primary facility with clubhouse, excellent changing facilities and two full size rugby pitches.
Castleford 6 – 50 Hemsworth
Castleford 24 – 19 Burley
Full Time: Castleford RUFC 24–19 Burley RUFC
What a comeback from Castleford RUFC! Trailing 19–0, Cas showed huge grit and character to fight their way back and snatch a brilliant 24–19 victory over Burley RUFC. A never-say-die performance and a win to remember. 💪🏉🔵🔴⚪️
Castleford vs Hemsworth ** Called Off, Frozen Pitch **
Castleford RUFC vs West Park Leeds
Castleford RUFC vs Barnsley
Castleford RUFC claimed a well-earned 27–12 victory over Barnsley RUFC in a physical and fast-paced encounter. Barnsley struck first, taking an early lead after being awarded a penalty try, but Castleford responded almost immediately. The visitors failed to deal with the resulting kick-off, allowing the ball to bounce, and winger Ben Mayes pounced to score in the corner.
Castleford’s momentum grew, and sustained pressure in the Barnsley 22 forced two penalty tries in quick succession, turning the game firmly in their favour. With the forwards dominating the collision area, Castleford continued to play on the front foot. A sharp quick tap from scrum-half Ian Mattison opened up the defence, and slick hands from Mark Poppleton sent winger Lex Leadett diving over in the corner.
Mattison added a penalty to stretch the lead before Barnsley grabbed a late consolation score.
Castleford’s pack laid the platform throughout, carrying hard and controlling the breakdown. Debutant colt Will Kilburn was outstanding, earning Player of the Match for his relentless work rate, powerful carries, and presence over the ball in an impressive first outing at senior level.
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 Corinthians
Castleford RUFC Edge Past Leeds Corinthians in Gritty Encounter
Castleford RUFC 9 – 7 Leeds Corinthians
Castleford RUFC secured a hard-fought 9-7 victory over Leeds Corinthians in a closely contested fixture, thanks to the accurate boot of scrum-half Ian Mattison, who slotted three penalties to seal the win.
In a match where scoring chances were at a premium, skipper Mark Poppleton made the decision to take the points that were on offer. Ian Mattison kept his cool to convert all three of his penalty attempts, with the home side’s discipline and forward dominance helping to create the opportunities.
Winger Max Lambourne made an impressive debut, showing pace and intent out wide, while centre Jordan Rice marked his return to the squad with a series of strong carries that helped Castleford gain crucial territory throughout the match.
The Castleford forward pack were outstanding from the first whistle to the last, setting the platform with dominant scrummaging and aggressive work at the breakdown. Back rower Kean Hiscock was particularly influential, leading from the front with relentless energy and physicality — earning him a well-deserved player of the match award.
Despite a late try from Leeds Corinthians which narrowed the margin, Castleford’s defence held firm in the closing stages to secure an important win in front of their home supporters