Shenton treble stuns Bulls

Michael Shenton bagged a hat-trick of tries to help Castleford edge out Yorkshire rivals Bradford 28-22 at the Jungle.

The England international crossed twice in the closing 10 minutes to help condemn the slumping Bulls to a sixth successive defeat.

In contrast, the Tigers - who also saw Rangi Chase and Kirk Dixon cross - have now won three on the spin in the engage Super League.

Bradford had looked on course to end their recent dismal run of form when a converted try from Brett Kearney after 58 minutes put them 16-12 ahead.

Roaring back

However the Tigers came roaring back in a thrilling finish to a Yorkshire derby played out in sweltering conditions, despite an early kick-off due to England's World Cup clash with Germany.

It was Bradford who drew first blood when Elliott Whitehead went over, Paul Sykes adding the conversion having provided the scoring pass.

The response from Castleford was emphatic. Shenton collected an exquisite long ball out wide from Dean Widders to touch down in the right corner.

Although Joe Westerman's conversion attempt was woefully off target, the Tigers now had the bit between their teeth.

The influential Chase danced through and was awarded a try by referee Ben Thaler despite the ball being ripped from his grasp by two defenders.

Again the extras were missed, allowing the visitors to take a half-time lead thanks to a try from Steve Menzies in the 28th minute.

Castleford's cause was dealt a further blow shortly before the break when former Bulls forward Brett Ferres was sin-binned for a challenge which sparked a flare-up involving several players from both sides.

Westerman's kicking issues continued when he missed a penalty right before the hooter, meaning the half ended with the visitors 10-8 in front.

Kirk Dixon showed his team-mate how it should be done when he slotted over a 46th minute penalty to level the scores - only for Sykes to respond by booting the Bulls two points clear again.

Brilliant footwork

Another two-pointer from Dixon made it 12-12 before Bradford forged ahead just before the hour mark, Menzies' brilliant footwork setting up fellow Australian Kearney for a try that was converted by Sykes.

From then on, however, Castleford seized control with three tries in the space of 12 minutes, Dixon getting the first from Mitchell Sargent's high kick.

Shenton then grabbed a quick-fire double that put his team clear, firstly running around Kearney to score in the 71st minute.

He completed his hat-trick by getting on the end of Chase's bomb, Westerman adding the extras for his only successful goal of the game.

Michael Platt did break away to hand Bradford late hope but Sykes missed the touchline conversion from the right flank, consigning Steve McNamara's side to another loss as their season threatens to fall apart.