Big crowd: Fans turned out in force in the rain.

Tewkesbury 6pts, Castleford 7

TEWKESBURY'S hopes of a dream trip to Twickenham in rugby union's EDF Energy Vase were dashed in agonising fashion at The Moat last Saturday.

Torrential rain made for treacherous conditions but the result was in the balance right up to the final whistle of a tremendous contest.

The home side started in scintillating style as they put the Yorkshire visitors under immense pressure.

However, they failed to cross the line and missed a chance for three points when influential fly-half Russell Nunn's tenth minute penalty was off target.

Conditions turned the semi-final tie into a real forward battle that was a credit to both packs.

The hosts fell behind midway through the first half when Castleford secured line-out ball and skipper Chris Willett emerged from a rolling maul with the ball grounded over the line. Brother Steve added the conversion for 7-0.

Tewkesbury hit back in relentless fashion but their opponents held firm to take a seven-point advantage into the second half when they fought magnificently to hang on to their lead.

A second penalty from Nunn 15 minutes from time trimmed the gap between the sides to a solitary point.

Pep talk: Tewkesbury regroup at the interval.

The hosts fired in numerous high kicks towards the Castleford line that remained unbreached to leave Tewkesbury's players shattered at the final whistle but knowing that they had done the club and town proud.

The winners were also magnaminous in the treatment they had received on their trip south.

"Everyone from Castleford sends their sincere thanks for the welcome received from the supporters, players and committee," said fixture secretary Dave Price.

"Everyone from Castleford sends their sincere thanks for the welcome received from the supporters, players and committee," said fixture secretary Dave Price.

"Although we came away with the spoils we will take the memories with us. The kindness afforded to us will stay with us for a very long time.

"Without doubt, Tewkesbury gave us our sternest test of the season and it was only our resolute defence that kept us in the game especially in the final minutes when you threw everything but the kitchen sink at us."

10:58am Tuesday 18th March 2008

Showing support: The home team received tremendous backing.

Timely tackle A Tewkesbury player ends a visiting attack.

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