Rugby League: Rapid blast fires Leeds win

WITH most of the attention focused on the other side of the Pennines, those in Yorkshire who have failed to come even close to Wigan and St Helens got to grips with each other, writes Richard Wetherell. Leeds halted their slide since the humilating Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Widnes with a 10-6 win at Castleford.

Two tries in a three-minute first- half spell proved decisive despite Castleford opening the scoring after 12 minutes when Lee Crooks recovered from a Gary Mercer high tackle to slot over a penalty. Leeds replied in style in the 24th minute when Garry Schofield and Kevin Iro combined to send James Lowes over from close range. Simon Irving converted and in the next attack he darted over in the corner.

The hosts threatened a comeback in the second-half with Simon Middleton crossing but they could not find the killer touch that had seen them win their previous four games.

Leigh, playing at Hilton Park for possibly the last time, scored five tries before the break after Salford had taken a second-minute lead on the way to their 46-20 win.