Castleford Tigers 40 Harlequins 28: Castleford leapfrog Crusaders into final play-off spot

David Howell gave Quins the lead but the Tigers came roaring back with scores from Ryan McGoldrick, Michael Shenton and Ryan Hudson, all three goaled by Joe Westerman, before the interval.

Kirk Dixon, Craig Huby, Adam Milner and Mitchell Sargent added further tries for Cas, who move ahead of play-off rivals Crusaders and occupy that all-important eighth spot on points difference with one game left to play.

After being forced to drop out three times in the opening eight minutes, Rob Purdham almost went over for the game's opener following a pop pass from Luke Gale, but was halted by two Tigers defenders.

Shortly after though the Quins forged ahead with a messy try.

Howell threw himself on a loose ball, referee Phil Bentham awarding the score after deliberating. Purdham added the extras from under the posts.

The hosts could have responded immediately but Westerman spurned a glorious chance, fumbling Rangi Chase's kick less than a metre from the line.

But they pulled level with a converted score from McGoldrick in the 17th minute.

Chase provided the initial momentum, stepping through the Quins defence, before Hudson scooped the ball from dummy-half and slotted a delicate little grubber kick in behind the visiting defence for McGoldrick, who dived past a couple of defenders to dot down.

Harlequins were then resoundingly punished after Purdham was penalised for interfering at the play-the-ball, a quick tap and fast hands seeing England centre Shenton over.

Westerman added to both scores and also converted a try from Hudson, who bolted over from dummy-half.

Castleford pulled further ahead just three minutes into the second half, Danny Orr coughing- up possession before Shenton drew the defender and fed Dixon in the corner. Westerman drifted the conversion attempt wide.

Purdham goaled a Will Sharp try, but straight from the restart Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook knocked-on, handing the initiative back to Castleford.

Huby punished that mistake, powering his way over on the first drive, Westerman converting. Teenage hooker Milner burrowed over from dummy-half.

Youngster Jamie O'Callaghan then went in for the Quins courtesy of Tony Clubb's offload and Gale crossed after combining with Luke Dorn, but Sargent chipped in with a try five minutes from time, supporting the fast-breaking Chase.

Westerman made it six from seven with the boot, before Dorn read a great dab through and scampered under the sticks for a late consolation try which was converted.

Castleford: McGoldrick, Dixon, Shenton, Ferres, Wainwright, Widders, Chase, Sargent, Hudson, Higgins, Snitch, Jones, Westerman. Substitutes: Huby, Arundel, Walker, Milner.

Harlequins RL: Melling, O'Callaghan, Clubb, Howell, Sharp, Gale, Dorn, Ward, Ellis, Wilkes, Purdham, Williamson, Golden. Substitutes: McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Mills, Orr, Bryan.

Referee: P Bentham (Warrington).