Castleford Tigers have missed out on the chance to finish the Super League season at the top of the table following a 28-6 defeat to Catalans Dragons this evening.

After a cagey start with few try-scoring chances for either side, Morgan Escare crossed the line twice in the space of nine minutes for the French side to leave the hosts ahead at the break.

After Zeb Taia extended Catalan's lead, Kirk Dixon got the visitors off the mark to keep their hopes of overtaking St Helens alive.

However, Ian Henderson and Elliott Whitehead capitalised following a strong spell of possession from the Dragons to open up a 22-point lead heading into the final 15 minutes.

The result ensures that Castleford finish fourth in the table, and will face St Helens when the playoffs gets underway next weekend.