Castleford stun Leeds to go seven points clear

Castleford passed another major test in their campaign for a first Super League title by beating Leeds 23-12 at Headingley to move seven points clear at the top.

The Tigers’ ability to win big matches was questioned after last week’s Challenge Cup exit at Hull but they edged their big-city neighbours in an absorbing derby played out in front of a crowd of 18,029 to make a significant statement.

Greg Eden, Grant Millington and Zak Hardaker scored the Castleford tries.

Matty Smith kicked a long distance drop goal after the full-time hooter to complete an amazing fightback from St Helens against his old club Salford at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Smith’s perfectly struck kick from 40 metres completed the most remarkable of comebacks from Justin Holbrook’s side, who had looked dead and buried with seven minutes remaining as they trailed 24-8 and came away with a 25-24 win.

Hull consolidated their top-four credentials with a 40-18 victory over fifthplaced Wakefield Trinity at the KCOM Stadium. Hull ran in seven tries to Wakefield’s three as they stretched their winning run to four matches, with the returning Marc Sneyd kicking six goals.

Wigan winger Liam Marshall claimed a brace to take his season’s tally to 22 tries in all competitions but it was not enough to decide a hardfought 19-19 draw at Huddersfield.

The result follows the 16-16 stalemate in the corresponding match at the DW Stadium on March 19 and leaves both sides still hovering dangerously above the cut-off line with the league splitting into two after four more rounds.