SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook admitted that his side's 23-22 golden point defeat was tough to take,

It had looked as though Saints were heading to Old Trafford when Ryan Morgan had given them a 22-20 lead with less than two minutes on the clock.

But a late penalty in the last play of the game alllowed Castleford's Luke Gale to level it and send it into extra time.

And in golden point it was Cas who snatched it with Gale succesful with his second shot at drop goal after Matty Smith had fluffed his chance.

Holbrook said: “It was hard to take.

“I’m really disappointed we didn’t win. Obviously I am really proud of the boys; the way we just kept on fighting was pleasing.

"We had to come back in the first half and we finished it well and then we finished the second half really well too.

"It can be a cruel game at times and it cost us.

“We got off to a slow start but worked hard throughout the whole game to try and win it, so it is really disappointing we didn’t."

Saints scored five fine tries, but crucially Mark Percival only goaled one of them and that proved to be critical.

But Holbrook drew positives from the way his side attacked.

“To outscore a team like Cas five to three was pleasing.

"They are a team who get the raps all year on their attack but on the back end of the year we weren’t too far behind them in the for and against stakes.

"We played plenty of good rugby ourselves tonight but it wasn’t to be.”

It has been quite a transformation since Holbrook took over - and a far cry from the 53-point drubing they experienced in the Challenge Cup the week before he arrived.

Holbrook said: “Since I came here I have loved every minute. I challenged the players when I arrived on if they wanted to make something of the season and the choices they had to make to do that.

“They did it too, starting from Jon Wilkin as captain who led outstandingly.

"No one put a foot wrong. We fought to get into the four and then fought tonight.

“I am very proud of the playing group and it was good to see the fans stick around after the game and make the journey over in the first place too.

"It was good for the players to see that as it has been a weird old season for them.

"We know we have to start better next year.

“I’m shattered at the moment as I thought we had done enough.

"Even at the end; the short kick off is a lottery but we defend the set well then Benny Barba positions himself beautifully for the kick and then that happened. It’s disappointing.

“It will take a while to get over this one but I am confident.

"I love the playing group and I am looking forward to a full season here next year.”