Castleford Tigers held off a spirited challenge by Widnes Vikings to earn their first win of the 2018 Betfred Super League season with a hard-fought 13-12 success.
Last season’s runners-up suffered a heavy defeat at St Helens in their opener and they were well below their best in seeing off the Vikings.
Gale's drop-goal the difference as @CTRLFC get their first win#SLCasWid pic.twitter.com/fRlTq2Ma3V
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 11, 2018
The Tigers dominated the opening 40 minutes but were frustrated by strong Widnes defence until Greg Minikin finished the last play of the half.
Matt Whitley’s converted try nudged the visitors ahead only for Jy Hitchcox to cross to swing the game back Castleford’s way.
Luke Gale booted five points to put the Tigers two scores in front but they were clinging on in the dying minutes after Jay Chapelhow had given the Vikings hope of back-to-back victories.
