Wheldon Road

Castleford Tigers 18-70 Salford Red Devils

11th July 2021

Given there was a Challenge Cup Final appearance at Wembley due in six days time, it was not in the least surprising Tigers' coach Daryl Powell chose to give his first team squad the day off this afternoon sending, instead, his reserves and youth players over the top to face the Red Devils' MG 08s.  But I rather doubt Mr. Powell expected even this makeshift side to end up on the wrong end of such a comprehensive bashing, as opponents Salford ran in twelve tries.

The Castleford cubs actually made a decent fist of things for around half-an hour or so, even opening the scoring through Grant MILLINGTON.  But once the greater experience and superior muscle-power of the visitors' first-team began to make itself felt, the second half became little more than a procession towards (and across) the Tigers' line.

Brad MARTIN's converted try for Castleford, early in the second half briefly saw the home side narrow the ever-widening scoreline gap to 12-22, but that was as good as things got.

So - it is down to Wembley next Saturday for the Tigers; their first Challenge Cup Final appearance since 2014.  It being as far back as 1986 the last time the trophy returned to Castleford.  

Is Rugby Coming Home?  

The Mend-a-Hose Jungle may just be the silliest sponsorship-induced
stadium re-branding I have come across.  

The stadium is generally known as Wheldon Road

This being that very road.

Mend-a-Hose Jungle entrance

Tigers take the field.

Panorama of the Mend-a-Hose Jungle

I just wish I had the nerve to wear something like this. 
Respect, Sir.

Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils - July 2021

Salford's Krisnan Inu converted eleven of his side's twelve tries.

The only seating at Wheldon Road is the East Stand, which dates back to the mid 1930s

At each and every break in play, this young lady ran onto the pitch to irrigate the players.
Even whilst play was raging on, she could still be seen on-field offering out water.  

Smokers' Corner.

Wheldon Road North Terracing 

This pass set up Alex FOSTER for Castleford's third try.

Sometimes the scoreline just doesn't lie.

Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils - July 2021

I had never been to Castleford before, and the town for me was inextricably linked with Eddie Waring, it housing one of those clubs who made (or appeared to make) regular appearances on Saturday Grandstand's rugby league slot, back in the day.

The town was, of course, also the setting for Jake Thackray's brilliant song The Castleford Ladies' Magic Circle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3T8lgRe6FQ

I only learned relatively recently (i.e. this week) that sculptor Henry Moore was born and raised in the town, although I do not really know much at all about the great man's work.  I can appreciate the lithe lines of his reclining ladies, but I do feel there may be a bit of a "Seen one....seen 'em all" aspect to his work.  

But, as I had never even seen one in the flesh as it were, I felt sure there would be one example of his sculptures on display somewhere in his home town.  And apparently so, for one such entitled Reclining Figure (aren't they all?) was on display.  Searching for it online, I discovered it had recently been moved to the local library from outside the Civic Hall to, hopefully, prevent some person or persons unknown nicking the thing for scrap metal.  Blackguards.

When, before the match, I made my way to the library the sculpture was nowhere to be seen.  Then I realised: of course, the bloody thing was inside!  

My (very small) consolation prize was to drive a mile south of the town centre to Moore Square - the site of the (long demolished) house where Moore was born.  There a modest, but nevertheless tasteful little monument had been erected, onto which had been stuck a blue plaque.  Although even my untutored eyes could tell this was not an "official" English Heritage job. 

Castleford Forum Library and Museum - within which resides a genuine Henry Moore, I am assured.

Next door to the library is what looks like a former market area, which has been
 decorated with garish murals.  The floor is also liberally decorated with pigeon shit.

A "Stone Feature", I read it described online.

I am unsure if the bicycle tyre was part of the installation.
If so, I am sure Moore would approve.  

Moore Square, Roundhill Road, Castleford.