Castleford Tigers’ bid to maintain play-off place after stunning Leeds Rhinos

Castleford Tigers held on to secure a 24-16 victory over fierce rivals Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night to maintain their position in the Super League play-off spots

The Tigers moved up to sixth place in the standings, two points ahead of the Rhinos, who dropped to seventh

Castleford Tigers produced a stunning 24-16 Super League victory over local rivals Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night, boosting their own play-off hopes and further denting the Rhinos' already slim chances of reaching the top six.

The win saw Castleford move up to sixth place in the standings, two points ahead of the Rhinos, who dropped to seventh. Both teams have three games remaining in the regular season.

Tries from Jesse Sene-Lefao, Jordan Turner, Jake Mamo and Niall Evalds secured the win for the Tigers, while Rhyse Martin and Jack Broadbent crossed for the Rhinos.

The Tigers made a lively start to the game and took the lead in the eighth minute when Sene-Lefao forced his way over from close range after good work from Jake Trueman.

The Rhinos levelled the scores in the 17th minute when Martin touched down Jack Walker's kick, but Castleford regained the lead four minutes later when Turner pounced on a loose ball to score.

The Tigers extended their lead to 18-6 on the half-hour mark when Mamo finished off a fine move involving Trueman and Evalds.

The Rhinos hit back just before half-time when Broadbent forced his way over from close range, but Castleford held on to their 18-10 lead at the break.

The Tigers increased their lead to 12 points in the 52nd minute when Evalds scored in the corner after good work from Trueman.

The Rhinos reduced the deficit to eight points with 10 minutes remaining when Martin crossed for his second try of the game, but Castleford held on to secure a deserved victory.