In a really close game on a poor quality pitch, Castle were just shaded out in the second half as their back-line was disrupted through injury, both centres having to leave the field. After the shock of going-down to an early drop goal, Castle bounced back with a brace of interception tries for club new boy Ian Spence who looks to be a real find.

Leading 12-3 at the break but now playing up the slope, gradually Yarm overhauled this young Castle side even though it remained competitive throughout. Ian Strong played particularly well in the second half and Simon Coverdale with Ben Gray did some excellent work as emergency midfield cover.

This Saturday sees the Barnie seconds up at Washington, aiming to consolidate the recent significant improvements to the side.