Rhinos tamed by Tigers

Westerman: crucial try

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Castleford stunned reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos as they fought back from a half-time deficit to record a memorable 24-10 victory at Headingley.

After a tight first half the Rhinos had edged into a narrow 10-6 lead and looked to on course to make it two wins from two having seen off the Crusaders last week.

But Terry Matterson's Tigers had not read the script and 18 unanswered second-half points saw them run out deserved winners over their Yorkshire rivals.

James Evans, Joe Westerman, Brent Sherwin and Dean Widders all touched down for the Tigers with Danny McGuire and Brett Delaney responding for a shell-shocked Leeds outfit.

A lively opening to the contest saw Rob Burrow create the first serious Rhinos opportunity but Kevin Sinfield was unable to gather, while Castleford responded as Sherwin put Liam Higgins through only for new Leeds signing Delaney to blocked him on the line.

A jinking run from Burrow then allowed Sinfield to set up Scott Donald out wide but the winger fumbled under pressure.

However, Leeds finally made their pressure tell as Sinfield chipped forward for McGuire to outpace Rangi Chase and score before the ball ran dead.

Sinfield converted and then almost claimed a try himself only to lose possession of the ball inches short of the line in a tackle.

Castleford replied against the run of play six minutes before the break as centre Evans charged through to touch down on a Sherwin kick and Craig Huby's goal levelled matters.

But Leeds responded and edged back ahead on 38 minutes with Sinfield again involved, this time he was on hand to send in former Gold Coast centre Delaney for his second try in Rhinos colours.

Although they headed in behind at the interval, the Tigers were by no means dispirited and demonstrated that after the restart with Leeds only just holding up Steve Snitch as he powered over the try-line.

But it was a temporary reprieve as the visitors scored on 52 minutes as Sherwin sent Westerman away with a clever reverse pass and Matt Diskin could not deny the loose forward by the posts.

Westerman's subsequent conversion gave the Tigers the lead for the first time and spurred them on to even greater heights.

Sherwin claimed a third try five minutes later as Chase kicked through and Westerman again added the extras to put Cas 18-10 in front.

Leeds attempted to respond but Evans produced a timely last-ditch tackle to deny veteran centre Keith Senior.

But Castleford were not done in an attacking sense and ensured a resounding triumph with a fourth try in the dying moments when yet another Chase kick was collected by Widders.