Derby delight for Millward

Tigers chief believes side are "heading in right direction"

Last updated: 7th April 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Derby delight for Millward

Ian Millward: Delighted with back-to-back wins

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Both coaches were able to reflect on improved displays following Castleford Tigers' 34-16 victory at Wakefield Wildcats, but Tigers boss Ian Millward had more cause for satisfaction.

Rangi Chase had a hand in five of Cas' six tries, including Richard Owen's first-half brace, as they followed up last week's win over Hull Kingston Rovers in impressive fashion - their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Millward said: "It's good to get back-to-back wins, especially in derby games. We played well in defeat against Hull a couple of weeks ago, and improved on that with the victory over Hull KR seven days ago, so we're heading in the right direction.

"In the first half we conceded a late try, and it was the same in the second half, but apart from that we were pretty much in control. Our work in attack and in defence was first-class, and all 17 of our players played well.

"We kept our errors to a minimum and we're improving week by week. It's good to see that upwards trend.

Composed

"In derby matches, you have to be patient and composed; the side that shows patience usually gets the rewards. Local games such as this can create an extra anxiety and that can affect your performance, but we handled it well.

"Our kicking game was strong, and the platform laid by our forwards shouldn't be overlooked; our pack played well.

"I was very pleased with Johnny Walker, and I'm delighted he's agreed his new deal with us. Our front row was outstanding and that's with Craig Huby and Paul Jackson to come back."

A trip to Wigan awaits on Monday ahead of the Challenge Cup clash with Leeds and Millward continued: "We've got a few bumps and bruises going into Easter Monday's game.

"Four or five of our lads were struggling a bit at half-time - in fact we'd used up all our interchanges with five or six minutes to go.

"We'll have to monitor our injured lads for Monday, and for next Saturday's Challenge Cup tie at Featherstone. One player who won't be turning out on Monday is Danny Orr, who came off with thigh trouble.

"In the end I have to be fair to the players, and I have to be fair to the club, and I have to be fair to the Challenge Cup. Lads who aren't fit enough won't play on Monday."

Excuses

Peter Fox, Paul Sykes and Kyle Wood crossed for the beaten Wildcats and coach Richard Agar said: "I'm obviously disappointed that we lost a derby match to our nearest rivals. It was an improved effort individually, but we struggled too often to get out of our own half.

"I have to give credit to Castleford; their defence was very good. Our execution, in attack and in defence, didn't match what we have been trying out on the training field.

"Some individuals showed an improvement on the display at London, but injuries are costing us.

"I don't think we've gone through a game yet in which we've not lost an 'edge' player. Today we lost Ali Lauitiiti with hamstring trouble, and that was after Danny Kirmond had pulled up in training with his calf.

"We were already without Dean Collis and, without making excuses, those are players we are forced to miss.

"Richie Mathers also had to come off. There's been a bit of a bug going around the place this week, but Richie stuck his hand up and said he'd play. He's not in a good state right now, he's very dehydrated.

"We might have a couple missing at Wigan on Monday but we do have blokes waiting for an opportunity."

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