
There are just two days until Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos lock horns in the Challenge Cup Final – so for a special treat this week, we’re going to be looking back at the last time both teams won the cup.
Friday will see us examine Leeds’ last taste of success with the Challenge Cup in 1999, but for this edition, we’re going to look at Castleford’s victory in the 1986 final – which was far from straightforward! Played out in front of over 82,000 people (a small number compared to the near 100,000 that watched the “Sterling v Kenny”, Wigan v Hull final the year before), Cas eventually triumphed 15-14 after leading 15-6 at one point, withstanding a terrific comeback from Rovers to make it four wins from four Wembley appearances.
After tries from Gary Prohm and John Lydiat made it 15-14, it rested on the boot of John Dorahy to potentially take the cup back to East Hull. With less than three minutes left on the clock, his missed conversion proved pivotal, with the Cas players leaping up and down behind the sticks as Dorahy’s goal sailed wide.
Earlier, a superb score from Tony Marchant broke the deadlock, with the centre racing 60 metres unchallenged to sent Wembley crazy.
Castleford’s Bob Beardmore picked up the Lance Todd Trophy that day, nailing a try and drop goal in Castleford’s win – which ultimately proved to be the difference. If you want to relive that victory back Castleford fans, the video of the success is below!