YORK City Knights Ladies' losing run in the Women's Super League went on with a 40-10 defeat at Castleford Tigresses - but it was another much-improved display.

Late tries in each half took the game away from York, Cas being more clinical in attack, but head coach Daryl North was again full of praise for his inexperienced side in their maiden season in elite rugby.

He added that Castleford coach Lindsay Anfield, who is involved in the England set-up, also recognised the Knights' "massive" improvement since their previous encounter.

North said: "It was our best performance yet. There are areas to work on but our attitude towards each other and our heart and determination were excellent.

"I don't think the scoreline reflected the game. We were the better team for big parts of it."

York were well in it when Ash Hyde crossed and Ellie Hendry converted to make it 8-6 but Cas extended their lead to 24-6 at the break.

Sixteen-year-old hooker Ellena Powell got her first WSL try in the second half but Cas again upped their lead, with the Knights unable to finish other opportunities.