Coach baffled by bizarre contest.

Byline: ANDY HAMPSON

CASTLEFORD coach Terry Matterson was at a loss to explain his side's remarkable win at Bradford.

Dean Widders scored a remarkable 80-metre interception try with seven minutes remaining as the Tigers edged a rollercoaster engage Super League clash 40-38.

Ben Jeffries levelled the try count at 7-7 with a last-minute reply but Paul Deacon was unable to convert to claim a draw.

"It's the most bizarre game I've ever been involved in," said Matterson, whose side surrendered leads of 12-4 and 34-22 at various stages while Bradford led 22-12 at half-time.

"I don't know what to say about it, but you've just got to find a way to win. We've been involved in a lot of close games this year and we haven't found a way to win, so I'm really pleased with that. We needed the two points.

"We were better defensively last week and didn't get the two points.

"There are eight games to go now and it doesn't matter how you get them."

Victory lifted the Tigers into ninth, behind the last of the sides in the play-off zone only on points difference.

Matterson, with a game against under-achieving Hull next week, now hopes his side can build momentum to launch a top-eight push.

"We haven't got a problem with attacking but we've obviously got some issues with defence," added Matterson.

"That's all we need to work on this week."

Opposite number Steve McNamara felt Cas had narrowly got the better of a scrappy encounter.

The Bulls pieced together good moves for Semi Tadulala, Dave Halley, Nick Scruton, Michael Worrincy, Sam Burgess and Jeffries (two) to score but their defensive work was also disappointing.

Michael Shenton and Rangi Chase each crossed twice for the Tigers while Jordan Thompson, Joe Westerman and Widders also scored.

McNamara said: "Some people may think that was an entertaining and open game but for me it was a poor standard game.

"Both sides came up with some unbelievable errors to keep gifting the opposition their opportunities.

"We made an horrendous start to the first half, got ourselves together but then made an even worse start to the second half. We've a lot to look at."

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LOST FOR WORDS: Tigers coach Terry Matterson.