Gale blows Leeds away

CAStLEfORD increased their lead at the top of the Betfred Super League to eight points with a Luke Gale-inspired 23-12 victory at Leeds last night. Gale dictated an excellent tigers display and kicked 11 points to add to tries by Greg Eden, Zak Hardaker and Grant Millington. A well-drilled Castleford defence then proved too strong for Leeds, despite all their pressure late on. Elsewhere, Salford lost ground on the leaders after St Helens came from behind to win 25-24 in a thriller at the totally Wicked Stadium. Hull fC trailed at half-time at home to Wakefield trinity but turned on the style in the second half to run out emphatic 40-18 winners. At the Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield and Wigan Warriors drew 19-19. Warrington coach tony Smith has warned his players to expect to face a fully fired-up Catalans Dragons today after Steve McNamara was named as their head coach. Smith said: ‘We’re preparing as though they’re going to play their very best game, and we’ve got to play better.’