Andy Last’s classy words to Wakefield coach following derby win
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Castleford interim head coach Andy Last wished opposition head coach Mark Applegarth all the best following his side’s Super League 16-4 Rivals Round over Wakefield.
Last, 42, claimed his second win in charge of the Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
Skipper Paul McShane opened the scoring in the opening fixture of Rivals Round, followed by two tries from Greg Eden either side of half-time.
Samisoni Langi scored for the struggling visitors in the second 40, but it wasn’t enough as Eden’s second claimed the vital two points on the Super League table.
Wakefield now find themselves four points adrift at the foot of the Super League table, remaining winless in 2023.
Andy Last: Mark Applegarth is a good, young coach and I wish him the best of luck
“It gives us a little bit of breathing space,” Last told Jenna Brooks on Sky Sports following the victory.
“A tough night tonight. Two desperate teams who really wanted the two points, and I think that showed.
“Both defences were really good and they tested us in that second half. But we found some grit and determination to defend our way and I’m really pleased that we got the two points.
“They (Castleford players) were desperate for the two points and desperate to put in a strong performance after performing well last week and we did that.
“I feel really sad for Wakefield, I spent a year there and there’s some great people there.
“Mark Applegarth is a good, young coach and I wish him the best of luck.
“Mason Lino really tested us. They put on some real quality shapes. We had to turn them away and we had to be good defensively. They didn’t quite nail a couple of opportunities that they got.
“I think our right edge got a real test there.
“They tested us with some shapes and they’ll score some points moving forward.
“They’ll be disappointed that they lost tonight, but they’re a good side with good players and I know they’ll be working hard.”
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