Daryl Powell salutes Castleford after win at Leeds
Last Updated: 12/06/15 10:25am
Castleford coach Daryl Powell believes his side can continue to make their mark in Super League this season after moving into the top four with a 31-24 win over leaders Leeds at Headingley.
The Tigers were forced to withstand a tremendous fightback from the Rhinos, who tied the scores at 24-24 with 10 minutes to go after trailing 18-0, and finished strongly to secure a third successive win with winger Denny Solomona's second try of the match.
"It was an edgy win," Powell said. "Obviously any win you get at Headingley is a big one.
"We got off to a pretty unbelievable start and we've done that three games on the spin now where we've rattled the opposition.
"They got a bit of a foothold and we struggled. It was edgy but you expect it to be that way when you come here.
"I'd like to see us have a bit more control of games at times but the reality is when you play a team like Leeds they are going to put you under some pressure and they are going to score some points.
"We were pretty close last year when I thought we played superbly to draw.
"This was more about guts and determination and a little bit of composure at the end.
"Our belief is growing that we can go anywhere and win games. We've got some key players to come back in the coming weeks and I don't see why we can't challenge anybody."
The Tigers have lost only two of their last seven matches while Leeds have won just two of their last seven and will be ousted from top spot if St Helens beat Wigan on Friday night.
"In all honesty did think had a foothold in the game," Leeds coach Brian McDermott said.
"I know we had some momentum for the last 25 minutes of the first half but I didn't think we were ever convincing, especially defensively.
"Yet to come from 18-0 down we've got to take some credit in that we found a way to come back against a Castleford team that's in form. We've got some work to do."