Castleford Tigers have started the Super 8s phase of the Super League season with a closely-fought win over Hull FC, securing a 36-30 win at Wheldon Road this evening.

The visitors made a dominant start as Richard Whiting raced over for an early try before Jordan Rankin added a second almost straight from the restart.

Castleford were soon back in the match though, as Michael Shenton scored a hat-trick of tries in the space of 14 minutes to edge the home side in front for the first time.

Tom Lineham scored his 20th try of the season soon after the restart as Hull tried to open up a lead again, but they were soon pegged back as Shenton attacked down the other end for his fourth of the night.

There remained little between the two sides until the final 20 minutes, when Tom Gale edged the Tigers back in front before Ashley Gibson put the win beyond doubt inside the final five minutes, although Jack Logan did grab a late consolation try for the visitors.