Castleford Tigers survived a late second-half challenge from Bradford Bulls to beat their Super League rivals 46-34 at the New Castleford Stadium.

Jarrod Sammut grabbed the game's first try when he crossed the line in the sixth minute, but Bradford were soon pegged back by tries from Kirk Dixon and Adam Milner.

Dixon converted the try and in doing so clocked up his 1,000th career point.

Brett Kearney gave the away team something to cheer about when he scored a try in the 29th minute, but Dixon converted Milner's second try of the match on the stroke of half time to give the hosts a comfortable lead at the break.

Nick Scruton scored a try shortly after the interval to bring Bradford within four points of their opponents.

However, Castleford raced into an unassailable lead through Rangi Chase, Jordan Tansey and Nathaan Massey tries.

Elliot Kear scored a try with five minutes left which was followed by another from teammate Danny Addy, but Jamie Ellis extinguished any remaining nerves with an 80th-minute try.