Castleford 31 Leeds 30: Fletcher stops Rhinos at double to ease Castleford fears

Castleford's dramatic victory over their West Yorkshire rivals at a sun-baked Jungle before a crowd of more than 11,000 went a long way towards securing their Super League status. The Tigers moved five points clear of Wakefield in the battle to escape the drop after overcoming second-placed Leeds with a terrific team performance.

Two tries by the winger Adam Fletcher, and an inspirational show by Danny Brough were crucial in what Terry Matterson, the Tigers' coach, described as "a massive win". Matterson added: "It was a tremendous team effort and the first time we have beaten a top-four side this season."

Though Leeds initially showed their class with a superb length-of-the-field try by Rob Burrow, the Tigers refused to buckle in the searing heat. Danny Ward, who joined Castleford after being sacked by Leeds earlier this year, raced away from 40 metres for a superb individual try. Michael Shenton then created the opportunity for Fletcher to dive over in the corner.

Though Danny McGuire cut through for a try that got Leeds' noses back in front, Shenton collected Ryan McGoldrick's long pass and displayed terrific footwork to dodge over on the right.

Brough extended Castleford's 14-12 half-time lead with a penalty from in front of the posts and McGoldrick then intercepted a McGuire offload and raced 60 metres for a superb opportunist score. McGuire then popped up at the other end, supporting a Chev Walker offload to glide over for his second try.

But Brough's kicking regained control of the game for the home side. He kicked his fourth goal, a penalty, and gave his side a seven-point cushion with a drop goal just after the hour.

Scott Donald pounced on a Luke Dyer error from McGuire's raking kick to reduce the arrears to a point but Fletcher's second try, after he followed up his own bouncing kick to beat Lee Smith to the touchdown, restored Castleford's advantage. Shane Millard poached a late score to set up a nervous finish, McGuire failing with a last-minute drop goal attempt which failed to get off the ground.

Castleford: Platt; A Fletcher, Shenton, Viane, Dyer; McGoldrick, Brough; Sculthorpe, Henderson, Nutley, Manu, Ward, Lupton. Substitutes used: Huby, Fa'aoso, Roarty, R Fletcher.

Leeds: Smith; Donald, Walker, Senior, Williams; McGuire, Burrow; Jones-Buchanan, Millard, Scruton, Peacock, Poching, Lauitiiti. Substitutes used: Diskin, Bailey, Gibson, O'Neill.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick (Warrington)