Northallerton's good run continues with 31-5 win away at Castleford

Despite missing half a dozen players through injury and unavailabilities, North still managed to show they have strength in depth than can step in at short notice.

North kept the home team and their supporters quiet for long periods as Norths possession and physicality slowly ground Castleford down.

Northallerton scored two first half tries, both from James Hopkin and both from the back of a dominant scrum. Bainbridge added one conversion to go in at half time 12-0 up.

At half time Northallerton were forced to replace the injured prop Paul Dixon with 19 year old Harry O'Connor.

North started the second half a bit slow and were caught napping in the first minute, allowing a 2 on 1 overlap out wide for the home team full back to score an unconverted try.

Captain Jonny Franks then began to organise his backs better to make sure Castleford never had another glimpse of even Northallerton's 22 let alone the try line.

Castleford were also to blame for their downfall, as during the second half they were given four separate yellow cards meaning in effect they were down a man for the whole half.

After ten minutes of the second half Hopkins completed his hat trick with a mazy run from 30 yards out, rampaging his way through three Castleford players to score under the posts.

North then freshened things up making two changes, substitutes Rob Barnard and John Harker making their first appearances of the season. Immediately, good work by Barnard and fly half Peter Willis released Franks into space. Franks then side stepped the last man to score a converted try under the posts.

Ten minutes from time North made their final change with Ian Cockings making his 1st team debut.

After two good tries from open play, North completed the afternoons scoring with a typical forwards try. North caught the ball from a lineout and produced a ten metre rolling maul before Simon Manthorpe scored out wide.

Next week Northallerton entertain Leeds Modernians at home with a 2.15pm kick off.

Northallerton second team had their home fixture to Horden cancelled less than three hours before kick off.

Despite confirming on Friday, and North agreeing to a early kick off at Hordens request, they contacted Northallerton to cancel at late notice stating they could not field a team.

Next week Northallerton second team have a trip out to the seaside to play Whitby, kick off 2.15pm.

Unfortunately Northallerton juniors training sessions had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.