Hull keep Castleford bottom

Hull produced a gritty win to give coach Peter Sharp a major boost and leave Castleford stranded at the bottom of engage Super League.

A disappointing start to the season has seen Sharp come under increasing pressure. Defeat against the lowly Tigers would have left his future in serious jeopardy — losing would have sent Hull bottom—but Sharp's side defied their long injury list.

The visitors never looked like losing after establishing an 18-2 half-time lead.

Craig Huby's penalty had given Castleford an early advantage but Hull responded in fine style when Craig Hall raced 80 metres to touch down.

Scott Wheeldon stretched the lead by charging on to Danny Houghton's short pass before Houghton, Shaun Berrigan and Todd Byrne combined to work Motu Tony over just before the break.

Danny Tickle's long-range penalty put Hull 18 points clear soon after the restart but on-loan Matt Cook marked his Castleford debut with a fine try to set up a nervous finish.

Gareth Raynor's last-ditch tackle just stopped Kirk Dixon narrowing the gap even further as Hull were forced to withstand plenty of pressure before Jamie Thackray confirmed the win.

Peter Lupton added a late consolation for Castleford, but Hall soon replied.