Sat 17 Jul: Challenge Cup Final: Castleford Tigers v St Helens KO 15:00 (BBC TV)

[EastLondonMike]

Good game overall, though the second half was pretty uninspiring, though understandable in what looked like really tough conditions.

Saints always looked like they had that bit extra, and deserved the win.

Cas gave up too much cheap possession at key moments and when in a good position failed to build any pressure with some bad end of sets.

Great efforts all round though.

[Oxford]

11 minutes ago, graveyard johnny said:

saints played kick n clap for the last quarter

Twickers should be so lucky!

Are you trying to get the RLCC moved to the cross code Punjab?

[Roy Haggerty]

For me, I started feeling more confident when I saw Percival’s reaction to tackling Olpherts into touch. Then I knew they still had their focus. 

[Futtocks]

Nice to see a new name on the trophy after 13 years of the same old same old.

[Roy Haggerty]

Also, credit where it’s due - that was superb presentation by the bbc. 

[Just Browny]

Second half was a tough watch, Cas clearly tired and repeatedly trying the same moves that weren't working without building any forward momentum. Saints deserved it and Liam 'six' Moore should get a good write up in next week's programme.

[Rawschach]

Excellent game that for 70 minutes.

BBC did a good job.  Players did an even better one.

[Scubby]

1 hour ago, Wollo Wollo Wayoo said:

Lee Crooks in the Saints end!

 

Didn't he have a ticket next to Padge?

[Jinking Jimmy]

When our game puts on a show like this it should demand more publicity. Well done to the players on both sides and also to the BBC commentary team who in my opinion made the Sky Sports lot look second rate.

[FearTheVee]

Slightly strange atmosphere pre-match with masks etc taking the edge off the energy of a normal cup final day, but really enjoyed the game.

Thought Cas were really excellent first half and a brave call to swap out Fages for Welsby paid off.

Jack Welsby could be anything if he stays healthy.

[JonM]

Cracking occasion. Slightly low key with the smaller crowd, masks etc. but a very enjoyable day out, really nice atmosphere between the different sets of fans. One of the better finals in recent years I thought. 

[Gates1]

Congratulations Saints.  Best team.won.  thought we had it at half time

[Dave T]

20 minutes ago, JonM said:

Cracking occasion. Slightly low key with the smaller crowd, masks etc. but a very enjoyable day out, really nice atmosphere between the different sets of fans. One of the better finals in recent years I thought. 

I think we have been spoilt - the last 6 finals have all been excellent battles. 

[ColD]

1 hour ago, Jinking Jimmy said:

When our game puts on a show like this it should demand more publicity. Well done to the players on both sides and also to the BBC commentary team who in my opinion made the Sky Sports lot look second rate.

Not Dave Woods fan, gets excited at the wrong  time - and “Rugby League united” comment when one team was taking the knee and the other team didn’t 

[JohnM]

26 minutes ago, ColD said:

Not Dave Woods fan, gets excited at the wrong  time - and “Rugby League united” comment when one team was taking the knee and the other team didn’t 

He meant united in condemning and fighting racial and other forms of discrimination. Demonstrating this condemnation takes many forms, only one of which is "taking the knee" 

[JonM]

11 minutes ago, JohnM said:

He meant united in condemning and fighting racial and other forms of discrimination. Demonstrating this condemnation takes many forms, only one of which is "taking the knee" 

And pretty much the whole crowd stood up applauding while it was happening. 

[Jinking Jimmy]

52 minutes ago, ColD said:

Not Dave Woods fan, gets excited at the wrong  time - and “Rugby League united” comment when one team was taking the knee and the other team didn’t 

I just thought that the commentary team was genuinely excited about the game and in my opinion not taking the knee doesn’t mean you are racist.

[Wellsy4HullFC]

3 hours ago, dkw said:

I don't think you can give 6 again for offside?

Ah right, is it just for ruck infringements then? I think I've seen them given for not square, so just have assumed that was the same for offside, but then he started giving penalties so I'm not quite clued up with the new rule just yet!

(I mean, it's only been a year and a half like )

[ColD]

1 hour ago, Jinking Jimmy said:

I just thought that the commentary team was genuinely excited about the game and in my opinion not taking the knee doesn’t mean you are racist.

Commentary just seemed a bit too excitable at times, almost made it sound amateurish- I like Kear to be fair but not Davies 

 

[WakefieldCityLoyal]

1 minute ago, ColD said:

Commentary just seemed a bit too excitable at times, almost made it sound amateurish- I like Kear to be fair but not Davies 

 

I enjoy the bbc coverage both studio and commentary beats sky hands down.

[Dunbar]

6 minutes ago, ColD said:

Commentary just seemed a bit too excitable at times, almost made it sound amateurish- I like Kear to be fair but not Davies 

 

I thought the commentary was superb... they didn't miss a single opportunity to say how exciting the game was.  I am happy with that.

[Rupert Prince]

36 minutes ago, ColD said:

Commentary just seemed a bit too excitable at times, almost made it sound amateurish- I like Kear to be fair but not Davies 

I thought Davies was pretty spot on, as was Kear

[voteronniegibbs]

1st, Congratulations Saints on winning the trophy.

2nd, my utter admiration to all the players on both sides, to play with that intensity in that heat was epic to see.

We were underdogs but had Saints on the back foot at half time and certainly made a game of it.

 

Maybe next time ........

[northamptoncougar]

Thought the commentary made Sky look absolutely average 

[Man of Kent]

Just watched it back after avoiding the result (been on holiday). 

I thought the first half was absolutely sensational full stop - hot weather or otherwise - and Cas’ first try was sheer delightful rugby. In the end, Saints had just a little too much quality but Cas certainly didn’t die with the music still in them like in 2017. Great final.