Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
40 mins ago | Andrew Ferguson
Castleford geared up for their return to engage Super League with a satisfying 33-20 triumph over a depleted Wakefield Wildcats team.
Australian Luke Dyer, winger Waine Pryce and Michael Shenton all crossed twice for the Tigers, who handed debuts to seven off-season recruits in a spicy pre-season clash.
Dyer and Pryce opened their accounts inside eight minutes as Wakefield, who rested all four of their new signings, crumbled under early pressure.
Winger Semi Tadulala put the Wildcats on the board before Dyer streaked over to make it 16-4.
A try double from Wakefield three-quarter Jason Demetriou in the final two minutes of the first half, allied to two conversions from hooker David March, squared it up at the break.
Pryce completed his brace, courtesy of a fine pass from debutant Richard Fa?aoso, only for Wakefield to again hit back as lucky winger Austin Buchanan climbed highest to touch down off Ben Jeffries? pinpoint kick.
But Cas finished with a flourish, running in three tries in the final 10 minutes, including a superb double from Shenton.
On 70 minutes the teenager evaded a posse of defenders to plunge over the line and four minutes later showed good strength to barge his way past two would-be tacklers.
Former Wakefield half-back Paul Handforth landed a drop-goal to make the game safe and Australian winger Damien Blanch put the icing on the cake by twisting his way over the whitewash in the final minute.