'ENSIANS five-match unbeaten streak in Yorkshire Three was broken by Castleford as they managed to capture a 28-14 home victory.

It was a day when the away side's already injury-affected squad of players was further depleted by yet more injuries and unavailability.

Two stalwarts from the second team stepped up to the plate at the last minute in the form of the Tenniswood brothers - Brett and Matt.

On a firm surface with a cold wind the hosts were the first to gain ground through their substantial pack with some solid drives.

An infringement gave them a three point advantage from a penalty in the opening exchanges.

Despite being outweighed, the visiting pack with their superior technique managed to get a good drive on. Loose play flanker Keiron Walker made inroads into the home 22.

Cas knocked on and from a scrum five metres out the front row of Josh Dyson, Rob Arbuckle and Toby Keep led the way with a drive towards the line with No. 8 Sam Featherstone skilfully controlling the ball for the touchdown. Full back Connor Bateman converted to give the visitors a five point lead.

Half backs Rob Lofthouse and Will Cooper moved the ball wide at every opportunity to try and run the heavier home pack around and create space.

Bateman joined the line and broke away, but with the cover hot on his heels, he chipped ahead for Connor Paley, but the scrambled home defence saved the day.

As half time approached, the home side stepped up their efforts through some powerful driving from their pack.

The referee sent one of the 'Ensians players to the sin-bin and Cas took advantage by scoring an unconverted try. A successful penalty gave the them a four point lead at the break.

The ball moved from left to right and back where prop Dyson and lock Jay Walsh linked up with Dougie Elgar who went over halfway out. Bateman kicked 'Ensians back in front.

A penalty to the corner gave the home side a chance to mount a strong drive resulting in a try.

Lewis Exley was caught by a late tackle although the referee appeared unsighted, so no penalty was awarded.

Exley stayed off the field for the last 10 minutes of the game where he appeared to recover well.

With the clock ticking, speedy handling put 'Ensians backs away up the left flank and again Bateman was through in space with only the full back to beat. However, his chip ahead was gathered by the home full back who evaded attempted cover tackles and raced down the touchline to score near the corner.

From the re-start, an ‘Ensians’ clearance kick was charged down and gathered by a big forward who trundled his way to the line. Despite missing the conversion, Castleford saw out the result to gain revenge for Old Otliensians win in the reverse fixture.