Super League match report: Castleford Tigers upset Leeds Rhinos
Castleford Tigers upset Super League champions Leeds Rhinos 14-12 at the Wish Communications Stadium.
Last Updated: 11/02/13 7:29am
The Tigers led at half-time courtesy of tries from Jordan Tansey and Jake Webster with Danny McGuire touching down for the visitors.
Ryan Hall's second-half try had Leeds in front for much of the half before two late Jamie Ellis penalties kicked Castleford to victory.
The Rhinos were quickly under pressure in the early stages after conceding two penalties close to their try line. Castleford took full advantage when Rangi Chase's superbly-judged kick set up a third minute try for Tansey that Ellis goaled.
The Tigers initially did well to survive a Leeds onslaught as the visitors looked to make a swift reply before the home defence was finally breached in the 12th minute.
McGuire continued his excellent scoring run against the Tigers with his 23rd try in 19 games after cleverly swapping passes with Joel Moon. Kevin Sinfield's conversion levelled the scores, but Castleford regained the lead soon after.
Magic
England half-back Chase weaved his magic again by bursting clear to create the opening for Webster, who crossed to put the Tigers 10-6 up.
With Chase pulling the strings, the Tigers continued to cause the visitors plenty of problems and looked the more likely scorers. The Rhinos struggled to put their game together in contrast, and were often let down by handling mistakes in the slippery conditions.
However, the Tigers were reduced to 12 men in the 48th minute when substitute Nathan Massey was sin-binned for ball stealing.
Leeds quickly capitalised on the extra man when McGuire's long pass sent in winger Hall at the corner, Sinfield adding the touchline conversion to put the Rhinos in front for the first time.
Ellis was wide with a 40-yard penalty attempt after the Rhinos were penalised for a high tackle but he was made no mistake with another kick from the same distance after Chase had put in a superb 40-20.
Castleford's Oliver Holmes was tackled inches short of the line before Ellis was on target with a late winner after Leeds were penalised for not being square at a play the ball beneath their own posts.