Super League: Castleford 49-24 Wakefield

Kirk Dixon's four try-haul helped Castleford to a convincing Magic Weekend derby victory over Wakefield.

The Tigers held a 20-point interval lead at the Etihad Stadium, with tries from Daryl Clark, Jamie Ellis, Dixon (2), Craig Huby and Justin Carney.

After the break, two more from winger Dixon, allied to Jordan Thompson's touchdown, completed the rout.

Scores from Dean Collis (2), Danny Kirmond and Chris Annakin were scant consolation for the Wildcats.

It was a first victory for new Tigers boss Daryl Powell following his move from Featherstone earlier this month.

His new charges got off to the perfect start when Clark crashed over from close range inside the opening four minutes.

They then extended their lead in spectacular fashion when Carney powerfully broke away from his own 10-metre line, evading two tackles before feeding Ellis to sprint for the corner.

Castleford, who had only won three games this season prior to this game, got their third score after good play between Rangi Chase and Carney.

Chase's grubber kick was touched down by Dixon before poor defending allowed Castleford in for their fourth try of the half.

Wakefield failed to deal with Chase's up and under, Huby catching the bouncing ball on the goal-line to touch down.

Collis reduced the arrears when debutant Taulima Tautai smashed through two challenges before handing off to the centre to run in.

The Wildcats looked to have seized the initiative and were firmly back in the contest when Kirmond found a gap to touch down, Lee Smith kicking the second of his four goals.

But those back-to-back tries were made to count for nought before the break.

Ben Cockayne was outjumped by Dixon from a Chase kick and the winger touched down his second of the game.

Chase, who was at his instrumental best, then linked up with Carney once more to leave the imposing winger to drive in as the Tigers ended the first period 32-12 in front.

Richard Agar's side were the first to put points on the board in the second period when Tim Smith's hanging kick was brilliantly collected by Collis.

Any slight hope of a comeback was ended with another moment of class from Chase, his superb pass missing out two of his team-mates to find Dixon, who completed his hat-trick in the corner.

Thompson became Castleford's sixth try scorer of the day when he held off the attentions of four opponents before Dixon went over in the corner for his fourth.

Annakin grabbed Wakefield's fourth try from Cas old boy Richie Mathers's pass.

But the Tigers had the final say when Ellis, who landed six of nine goal attempts, kicked a drop goal to earn Cas their first win in four attempts against their local rivals.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Castleford coach Daryl Powell:

"It got a little bit edgy in the second half. I thought we tried to win the game twice at one point.

"But there's a natural confidence within the team when they've got the ball in their hands. I thought we played some outstanding rugby league.

"I was probably more pleased with the way we defended. We conceded a few points but I thought the attitude, effort and commitment for each other was top quality.

"We just needed a win to start believing in what we're doing and I think there's something there we can really grab hold of."

Wakefield coach Richard Agar:

"From start to finish we were embarrassed with what we turned out. You can't dress it up any other way. It was a performance which embarrassed us.

"One thing that should be a given is that you've got to compete and we simply didn't compete defensively at all enough. They beat us in every facet of the game.

"We didn't work hard enough. For it to happen in a derby game on a big stage like this probably rubs a bit more salt into the wound.

"When your best player is a guy who has had two training sessions with you, some of the other boys, quite honestly, should be a little bit embarrassed by Taulima Tautai's effort. He looks like he's going to be a really good signing for us."

SATURDAY'S MAGIC WEEKEND LINE-UPS

Castleford: Tansey; Carney, Shenton, Thompson, Dixon; Chase, Ellis; Millington, Clark, Huby, Holmes, Hauraki, Massey.

Replacements: Walker, Milner, Fleming, Boyle.

Wakefield: Mathers; Fox, Collis, Lyne, Cockayne; L Smith, T Smith; Poore, Aiton, Raleigh, Lauitiiti, Kirmond, Washbrook.

Replacements: Amor, Trout, Annakin, Tautai.

Referee: Rob Hicks (Oldham).