Rugby League: An Orr-some performance from Danny; SALFORD 18

CASTLEFORD stand-off Danny Orr returned from injury to kick the Tigers to a well deserved victory at The Willows.

Orr, who injured a shoulder playing for Yorkshire in the Origin game two weeks ago, returned to kick five goals from six attempts including two vital second half penalties which gave his side breathing space as Salford threatened a comeback.

Castleford had looked in total control as they led 16-2 after 23 minutes, but by midway through the second half that lead had been cut to just four points. But Orr kept his cool to land two vital penalties and punish some Salford indiscipline to edge his side eight points.

And the Tigers made the game safe to move into sixth spot in Super League and keep their slim play-off hopes alive when scrum-half Mitch Healey finished off a fluent passing move to touchdown 15 minutes from time with Orr, predictably, adding the conversion.

The win continues Castleford's superb record at The Willows, having now won on nine of their last 11 visits to the ground and avenges their 24-22 home defeat by Salford back in April.

Salford coach John Harvey has had to contend with an horrendous injury crisis and was without six regulars again for this crucial game.

And it got even worse for Harvey's side when Australian forward Damian Driscoll was helped from the field after just three minutes after taking a heavy knock.

Castleford were on the mark early when second row forward Mike Smith charged through some weak Salford tackling to touch down.

And that lead should have been increased but John Roper, making his Super League debut for the Tigers after recovering from an ankle injury in the Challenge Cup, dropped the ball with the line at his mercy following a fine break by Adrian Vowles.

After Steve Blakeley pulled two points back for Salford with a penalty, Roper made up for his earlier error when showing great bravery to crash over the line despite blood pumping from a head wound.

Orr converted to give The Tigers a well deserved 10-2 advantage after 14 minutes.

It got even better for the visitors when prop Dean Sampson once again profited from some weak Salford defence as he powered his way through two attempted tackles to touch down and Orr concerted.

The Tigers, who have their own lengthy injury list lost captain Vowles with a knee injury and were also reduced to 12 men seven minutes before half-time when Lee Harland was sent to the sin bin after interfering at the play-the-ball.

Salford took full advantage of their extra man when Martin Offiah went over for his 498th career try before half-time.

The home side started the second half with much more enthusiasm and were rewarded when Andy Coley went over for Salford's second try and Blakeley's conversion cut Castleford's lead. But Orr's kicking kept The Tigers' noses in front before Healey's try meant Kris Tassell's late try was a mere consolation for the City Reds.

Tigers coach Graham Steadman said: "I was very pleased with the win and our approach work was excellent, although we have to be more clinical with our final pass.

"We will have to be a little smarter next week against Leeds if we are to win."

Salford coach John Harvey said: "Our first half performance was dreadful. We didn't hold the ball and kept giving it back to them and we had nothing left in the tank in the second half.

"We had a few chances but we took a few bad options."

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