Tigers survive fightback

CASTLEFORD survived a remarkable fightback from champions Leeds in a classic encounter to gain a modicum of revenge for last season’s Grand Final defeat.

Daryl Powell’s men raced into a 24-0 lead after just 23 minutes at Elland Road in front of a bumper crowd of 23,246 but Rhinos fought back with five tries of their own.

Ryan Hall’s late score brought Leeds to within a single point but Kallum Watkins could not convert as Castleford held on.

Last season’s Grand Final not only saw Leeds claim a record-extending eighth Super League title, it also ended Castleford’s eightmatch winning run against the Rhinos.

Moreover, it epitomised Leeds’ coveted knack of producing the goods when it mattered most.

There is something in their DNA and, while only a regularseason match last night, it still had the feel of a special occasion. There were also a

SPORT IN BRIEF

the impressive Luke Gale and the England scrum-half’s clever grubber kick was pounced on by half-back partner Jamie Ellis and Gale, below, added the conversion.

A second try soon arrived when a delightful array of inter-passing culminated in winger James Clare finishing clinically in the left corner, Gale converting.

Tigers kept up the pressure and scored a third try in the 13th minute when a searing break from ex-Leeds hooker Paul McShane saw him through the heart of the Rhinos’ defence.

From there, Ellis planted a perfectly weighted kick which Alex Foster caught superbly and grounded.

Leeds had barely escaped their own half but they went close when Poland-born prop Mikolaj Oledzki was deemed to have knocked on when he attempted to ground the ball.

At the other end, Castleford grabbed a fourth try when replacement prop Junior Moors collected a rapier-like offload from McShane crashed over the line. Gale’s fourth goal made it 24-0 but Leeds steadied themselves and hit back with two tries of their own as Watkins and then centre Ash Handley touched down from Richie Myler kicks. Gale added a drop-goal on the stroke of half-time to make it 25-10 to Castleford. Tempers had flared before half-time and they did again after the break as Leeds prop Brad Singleton was sinbinned following a skirmish which involved Anthony Mullally and Mike McMeeken. Yet Leeds claimed a third try in the 54th minute when Handley skipped through the Castleford defence for his second. Watkins then did likewise to complete his own brace with 10 minutes remaining to ensure a tense finale which saw Leeds score a fifth try through Hall in the left corner, only for Watkins to spurn the conversion. and