Powell ranks Cas win among best

Daryl Powell believes Featherstone made a statement in knocking last year's semi-finalists Castleford out of the Challenge Cup.

Powell's side went into the break 20-10 ahead following a dominant first-half display at Bigfellas Stadium. The Tigers threatened a comeback after half-time, but could only manage a solitary Nick Youngquest try as the hosts held on for a famous win over their local rivals. The Featherstone coach ranked the 23-16 victory among his greatest coaching achievements. "It's up there. It's a big effort for a club like us to beat a team like Castleford who have some special players," said Powell. The fourth-round triumph was made all the sweeter after Rovers conceded 60 points at home to Sheffield Eagles just seven days previously. "I think it's a statement. We're delighted because we've been poor against Super League opposition. We got hammered by St Helens and we got beat pretty easily by Leeds," added Powell. "I've always thought the players were better than that and we proved today we are."