TERRY Matterson was able to take plenty of positives from Castleford's Boxing Day tussle with Gateshead.
As well as getting a win and emerging injury-free, the Tigers boss was pleased by the individual displays of several of his makeshift side, which included more than a dozen fringe first-teamers and Academy call-ups.
New-signing Rangi Chase and teena
ger Joe Arundel scored two tries apiece as Cas twice came from behind to register a 44-18 victory.
Said Matterson: "We had a lot of young kids out there and they'll be better for the experience.
"I thought Billy Harris looked good and Jonny Walker stood out in the front-row. Most of the guys had a dig and they'll be better for it.
"And I was pleased with the way some of the senior guys went about their work. A few probably played a bit more time than they'd expect. Once they got out there they wanted to stay out and that's good.
"Rangi (Chase) is a quality player. We know he's got lovely hands and a great step. And (Kirk) Netherton showed that he's going to be good for us.
"There were a lot of mistakes at certain times but you are going to get that at this stage of the season, particularly when the senior guys are playing alongside kids they don't know.
"But Gateshead were up for it - they played a game last week so they could get a couple of guys available who were suspended. And I don't think we've got anything too serious injury-wise so it was a good hit-out all round."
