Castleford keep momentum going with win against Giants

An electric start to the second half helped Castleford continue their winning run and end Huddersfield’s top four hopes at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Luke Gale was once again instrumental with the mercurial playmaker scoring a try and kicking four conversions in the 24-16 victory.

The Giants deservedly led at half-time with tries from Oliver Roberts and Darnell McIntosh cancelling out Jake Webster’s early score for the visitors.

However, the second half belonged to the Tigers as Ben Roberts, Greg Eden and Luke Gale all crossed in a devastating 20-minute spell to put the game beyond the hosts.

Darnell McIntosh scored a late consolation but it was too little too late for Rick Stone’s side who will have little to play for in their last three matches.

It was the 23rd win of an incredible season for Daryl Powell’s side, who have already won the League Leaders’ Shield and want to keep the momentum going ahead of the playoffs.

Greg Eden added another try as he edged closer to Denny Solomona’s record, while Luke Gale put in another man-of-the-match display to cement his place as the favourite to claim the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.

Castleford will now be keeping a keen eye on the battle for the final playoff place as they will take on the team who finishes fourth for a place at Old Trafford in four weeks.

Huddersfield: Rankin, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Turner, McIntosh, Gaskell, Brough, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Wakeman, Ta’ai, Roberts, Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Clough, Lawrence, Rapira, Mellor.

Castleford: Hardaker, Hitchcox, Webster, Shenton, Eden, Roberts, Gale, Cook, McShane, Sene-Lefao, Moors, Foster, Massey. Interchange: Milner, Springer, Patrick, Larroyer.

Referee: Scott Mikalauskas