Leeds 76-12 Castleford

Five tries from Ryan Hall helped Leeds Rhinos to a crushing 76-12 victory over Castleford Tigers at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

The Rhinos were the better team throughout while the Tigers looked dangerous only on the rare occasion.

Brian McClennan’s men are now level on 36 points with St Helens, but despite this demolition the Saints still have the better points difference.

Leeds had the early pressure and opened the scoring with Scott Donald, but the Tigers went into a 6-4 lead courtesy of an individual try from James Evans converted by Joe Westerman.

The Rhinos reclaimed their advantage however when Hall found space at the corner to squeeze over, and two minutes later adding his second of the game, Kevin Sinfield adding the extras for a 14-6 lead.

Things got worse for Castleford when Brent Webb went straight through the middle to touch down and right on half time Hall completed his hat-trick, Sinfield converting both tries.

Leeds continued their dominance after the restart when Lee Smith touched down a kick into the in-goal area.

Castleford hit back: Ryan McGoldrick was held up just short of the line and he ball was moved wide for Rangi Chase to score, Westerman converting.

The Rhinos still had the upper hand though, and Kylie Leuluai touched down before Hall found enough space to add his fourth try, Sinfield converting both and making the score 44-12.

Leeds piled on the points as the game wore on, a Danny McGuire break setting up Brent Webb before Rob Burrow and Jamie Peacock added their names to the scoresheet, Sinfield converting all.

Hall added his fifth and final try, before Michael Ratu crossed to bring up the seventy-point mark and Ali Lauitiiti rounded off the scoring, Sinfield adding his final goal.