Hull edge Tigers scrap

Hull needed a late Danny Washbrook try to seal a hard-fought 24-16 victory over Castleford Tigers at Murrayfield.

A tight first half ended level as Mike Burnett's try for Hull cancelled out James Ford's 16th minute score for the Tigers and the two sides went in at 6-6.

Kirk Dixon went over early in the second half for the Tigers but Peter Cusack responded and Danny Tickle's second of four goals put Hull into the lead for the first time.

Again Castleford went in front with James Evans making it 16-12 just before the hour mark, but a Richard Whiting try and Tickle penalty kick gave Hull a slender two-point lead in the final ten minutes.

A tough match eventually went Hull's way when Washbrook went over four minutes from time, and Tickle's conversion made the game safe at 24-16.

Winning run

Castleford could have joined second-placed Huddersfield on points in the Super League table if they had carved out a sixth win in eight games.

However, the Tigers suffered an early setback with full-back Richard Owen injured within the first three minutes, but they still managed to take the lead.

Ford was on the field as a result of Owen's injury and he broke the deadlock on 16 minutes as he crossed under the posts after Brent Sherwin had created a gap.

Mike Burnett celebrated signing a new two-year deal with a 37th-minute try that levelled the scores, as he was on-hand to score after a fumbled high kick.

Cas kicked off the second half with Dixon cleverly twisting his way over in the corner after Evans had linked up with Sione Faumuina.

Response

Peter Cusack took three defenders with him as he went over the line for Hull to respond again, but Evans sent a ding-dong battle back in Castleford's favour with a stunning score.

Richard Whiting's third try in five games saw the pendulum swing once more in a thrilling match as Hull levelled at 16-16 on 63 minutes, with Tickle's missed conversion ensuring a nail-biting finale.

Controversy then ensued as referee Phil Bentham penalised Mark Calderwood for interference as Michael Wainwright attempted to play the ball, only to reverse his decision, allowing Tickle to find his range and kick Hull ahead.

Castleford's anger was then increased as Bentham harshly ruled that Michael Shenton had brushed a long kick into touch, handing Hull a scrum from which Washbrook bagged himself a deserved try to seal the match.