You just can't write St Helens off and, moments after winning the ball back from Castleford's storm upfield, they race to the line.

However, before they can get to the corner, the ball bounces dead and Cas are let off there.

Blimey. Castleford send a succession of kicks on the last tackle as they look to press St Helens deep in their half.

One of those kicks cannons off a Saints player and they get another bite of the cherry before play is held up and Saints win the ball back.

In the midst of that attack, it looked like St Helens put in a high tackle on Liam Watts but there was nothing given.

Castleford just can't get going after picking up the ball deep in their own half and are forced to kick on the turnover before they've even got to halfway.

But the kick is good and it's picked up by St Helens winger Regan Grace who's immediately met by a crowd of Cas bodies.

Full throttle rugby league right now and it's all defence after Cas' second try.

Castleford's Liam Watts is receiving treatment after appearing come off worse in a challenge for the ball in midfield.

Replays show it could be a head injury but he's sat up on the field after some treatment and carries on.

Image source, Rex Features

Azrael: Totally against the run of play and Cas score. This is going to be a hectic afternoon.

Kyle Utterson: Brilliant try from Castleford. Even as a Leeds Rhinos suppoorter I love watching them play, joy to watch. Wonderful set of 6 defensively now from Cas. Fantastic start to the cup final.

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC One

It's a beautiful little kick, the weight on it was beautiful.

If they say defence wins games, well that was a reward for their defensive set.

St Helens look exhausted now and they end up kicking on the turnover inside their own 10-metre mark.

My word this is sensational. The conditions must be playing havoc to defend, here.

Could we see Castleford dominate now just by virtue of the fact they're attacking the shaded area of the field?

Michael Shenton and Niall Evalds try to storm through in the corner for Castleford as they put pressure onto St Helens.

But Saints hold firm and there's a break in play as Kevin Naiqama is caught on the head by his teammate Theo Fages.

Matt: An absolute worldie from Cas! Perfect execution

It's been a cracker of an opening 20 minutes, with Castleford deservedly getting back on level terms.

But St Helens look dangerous every time they have the ball and, within the course of about five tackles, they've got back deep into the Cas half.

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales international on BBC One

Image source, Rex Features

It's like a rope-a-dope.

And all of a sudden a lovely break, what an absolutely brilliant try. They were getting battered!

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC One

That's classic Cas! That's a peach of a try.

Andrew Henderson
Warrington Wolves assistant coach on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Superb try from Castleford, just when they were looking a little disjointed. The attacking poise and execution was first class.

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC One

It's like rabbits in headlights with Cas at the minute. St Helens are just piling the pressure on.

Morgan Knowles offloads to a spinning Alex Walmsley who looks to get the ball down but he's thwarted by three Castleford players as St Helens continue to drive.

Fortunately for Cas, Saints' carelessness sees them concede a penalty before they can continues to counter.

But this is not a good start for the Tigers. They look shapeless and have allowed Saints to dominate in these early stages.

Castleford look stunned. They've needlessly lost possession once again, this time inside 20 metres from their own try-line.

St Helens are on fire and it's no wonder with how hot it is today. Could they add to their early lead and take advantage?

Jimmy: Yesssssssssssss get in Theo!

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

You make your own luck, but you can't say Saints haven't deserved it.