Buffaloes commence their 2025 YML Div 2 campaign with a thrilling last kick draw at Castleford
Andy & Devon Johnson
On a bright and sunny afternoon, the Buffaloes kicked off their Division 2 campaign with a debut visit to Castleford Panthers. Missing several key players from last season due to various reasons, the team fielded a youthful and energetic lineup that held the upper hand in a closely contested first half.
Just five minutes into the match, the Buffaloes executed a fluid attacking move that saw fullback Ethan McFarlane slice through the defence. Using the outside runners as decoys, he cut inside to score a well-taken try, which Lewis Gaunt successfully converted to give the Buffaloes a 6 – 0 lead.
Despite crossing the try line three more times before the break, the referee repeatedly denied the Buffaloes, who ruled that the ball hadn’t been grounded. On one of these occasions, a Buffaloes player appeared to have clearly placed the ball down after rolling over a Castleford tackler, but the referee remained unconvinced.
At times, the Bramley pack destroyed their counterparts, with Lewis, Charlie, and Taz delivering some thumping tackles. Jacob Oldroyd drove the ball forward with sheer strength and determination and was supported with darting runs by Jack Boot, Keiran McFarlane, and Bailey Harmon. Yet, as the half-time whistle blew, both players and fans were left puzzled as to how the score remained just 6–0.
Half time: Buffaloes 6 – 0
In the second half, Castleford Panthers held the majority of possession, helped in part by a string of inconsistent and time-consuming refereeing decisions. They pulled level in the 45th minute, capitalising on a quickly taken penalty that caught the Buffaloes short of defenders out wide.
The Buffaloes fought hard to reclaim the lead and came close on several occasions, but just like in the first half, potential tries were ruled out—either for being short of the line or for failing to ground the ball cleanly.
Although the Buffaloes initially stood firm and repelled multiple Castleford attacks, back-to-back penalties handed the Panthers renewed momentum and field position. Taking advantage, they eventually broke through twice down the right wing, with their winger and centre linking up well to score. One of the tries was converted, pushing Castleford into a 16 – 6 lead with ten minutes remaining.
Refusing to back down, the Buffaloes surged back into the game with renewed energy, far more than their opposite numbers could muster. The forwards laid a strong platform with powerful carries, setting up two almost identical tries out wide on the right wing, finished by James and Ethan.
The first conversion attempt fell just short, bringing the score to 10 – 16, but in the final minute of regular time, Lewis Gaunt stepped up and calmly slotted the second conversion to level the scores at 16 – 16, sending the team and supporters into wild celebrations.
All in all, it was a promising first outing for the young Buffaloes, full of energy and potential. They’ll grow stronger from the experience, learning that turning dominance into points is key to future success. The pack put in a strong collective effort, and while several players were worthy of man of the match honours, Lewis Gaunt edged it for us after his composure in landing that crucial final kick.
Final score: Buffaloes 16 – 16
Panthers: 1) Cayden Coleman, 2) George Riley, 3) Reece Henderson, 4) Matthew Bacon, 5) Ceejay Wilson, 6) Declan McCall, 7) Harry Render, 8) Reuben Walker, 9) Jake Smith, 10) Jack Longbottom, 11) Thomas Holder, 12) Travis Morse, 13) Jordan Holder, Subs (all used); 14) Andrew Daw, 15) Carl Etherington, 17) Craig Smith, 19) Rio Winchurch
Buffaloes: 1) Ethan McFarlane, 2) James Clark, 3) Jonathan Filin, 4) Bailey Harman, 5) Marcus White, 6) Lewis Gaunt, 7) Kieran McFarlane, 8) Charlie McMurray, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Jacob Oldroyd, 11) Thomas Langton, 12) Ben Wilkinson, 13) Cameron McLachlan ©, Subs (all used); 14) Billy Butterworth, 15) Elliot Carter
Tries: E. McFarlane (5, 79), Clark (75).
Goals: Gaunt x 2
