Wet conditions bring out very best in Gale

The England scrum-half was influential again as Daryl Powell’s side secured a fifth successive victory on Thursday night.

In the narrow 11-6 derby success, the reigning Man of Steel kicked two penalties, a conversion and another drop goal as Castleford emerged victorious from the truly atrocious conditions at Belle Vue.

Gale, 29, admitted: “It was a tight game, terrible conditions and both teams had a real dig.

“It was one of the most enjoyable wins I’ve been a part of really. It was freezing but the boys just put in a real effort; Wakey are a good side and it was a good game.”

Powell did say afterwards that the club’s victory song was belted out afterwards as loudly as it has been for some time.

“People just wanted to get warmed up really!” said Gale, whose drop goal against Leeds Rhinos the previous week had proved crucial in a 25-24 triumph.

“It was absolutely freezing and it was a tough win against a spirited Wakey side. We knew it’d be tight.

“We spoke beforehand about how we wanted to firm our ‘D’ (defence) up after last week.

“We let in too many tries then but, at Wakey, they scored just one try off a good kick and a smart play.

“That was our main objective tonight (defence) and we did that.”

Gale certainly enjoys facing Wakefield; as well as Thursday being a ninth successive win for Castleford against their near-neighbours it was also the 12th game in a row he had scored against them dating back to his time with Bradford Bulls in 2014.

That includes his last-minute match-winning drop goal in the 25-24 win at Wakefield last July.

Tigers now switch their attention to Warrington Wolves who arrive at Wheldon Road on Easter Monday.

Leeds-born Gale added: “They are playing well, under a new coach and have looked a tough side without playing brilliant.

“They keep getting wins and driving them out.

“It’s always tough to back-up but we’ve been good at Castleford over Easter these last few years so we’ve no excuses really.”

After Thursday’s game, Powell quipped: “I walked across the field at the end and found out my trainers aren’t waterproof!

“For us to come here and win showed a lot of character.

“They were tough, tough conditions.”