YOUNG Saints' hopes of lifting the Junior Academy title were shattered at The Jungle home of table-topping Tigers.
Both sides made a nervy start and Saints Scott Moore and Castleford's Leigh Cooke were sent to the sin-bin after a bit of pushing and shoving.
Michael Knowles' penalty opened the scoring for Cas followed by a Shenton try.
Saints hit back when Rob Burkhill went over in the corner with Matty Smith levelling matters shortly afterwards with a penalty.
Unfortunately, Castleford's pressure finally took its toll when Craig Huby scored from 30 metres, then hooker Shaun Lunt forced his way over to open up an 18-6 lead at the break.
Centre Neil Rigby went over out wide on the last tackle, to put Saints back in the hunt, but Smith was unable to land the touchline conversion.
Cas substitute Eddie Croft then went through to score under the posts.
Knowles added his fifth goal with a penalty on 73 minutes, before hard working Saints hooker Ian Webster capped a fine display with what proved to be a mere consolation try.
Smith's conversion cut the gap to ten points, but time had run out.
Saints' strong running prop Paul Clough was the pick of the pack.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article