A WATERLOGGED pitch delayed kick-off in Skipton’s Yorkshire Three fixture at Castleford, before a first-half red card, then a yellow just after the break, put paid to the visiting side’s chances on a dour November afternoon, as they lost 29-10.

Castleford kicked off down the slope and a kick and chase gave them an early try, although the conversion attempt went wide.

Good defensive work by Skipton was keeping the hosts at bay but an incident off the ball saw Tom Lacey red carded for retaliation.

Castleford put the resultant penalty into the corner and gained try number two from a forward drive from the line-out. The conversion attempt was successful.

A great forward drive from the restart took Skipton to Castleford’s line and forward Joe Simeon crashed over for an unconverted try.

A penalty immediately put the hosts back into the corner and try number three again came from the line-out.

The sides turned round at 17-5 to Castleford but straight after the restart, Charlie Brown received a yellow card and Skipton were down to 13 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Skipton displayed some good rugby and fine forward work saw skipper Hamish Munro over for Skipton’s second try. The conversion attempt drifted wide in the muddy conditions.

A penalty to Castleford again put them in the corner. The ball was spun out down the back line but a try saving tackle by Skipton centre Miff Smith ended the move.

Skipton hooker Ryan Chafer had to leave the field with an injury, before a breakaway converted fourth try stretched the home side’s lead to 24-10.

A fifth try on the stroke of full-time wrapped up a comfortable win for Castleford.