Qareqare's First-Half Hat-Trick Boosts Castleford
Jason Qareqare's first-half hat-trick increased his season try count to four, playing a pivotal role in Castleford's 40-28 win against Bradford at the OneBore Stadium. The match featured multiple lead changes and a high-scoring first half.
Match Summary
The lead shifted four times during a frenetic first half. Qareqare's three tries and Darnell McIntosh's score responded to tries from Esan Marsters and Joe Mellor, putting Castleford ahead 22-16 at halftime.
Trailing by four points with just two minutes remaining in the first half, Castleford quickly turned the game around after the break. Rapid tries from George Lawler, Tom Weaver, and McIntosh's second try extended the hosts' lead to 24 points within the first ten minutes of the second half.
Luke Hooley scored on the hour mark, finishing with 16 points for Bradford, but the Bulls' efforts to mount a comeback fell short. Waqa Blake's try was disallowed before Marsters secured a late second try for Bradford.
Scoring Details
Castleford Tries: Jason Qareqare 3, Darnell McIntosh 2, George Lawler, Tom Weaver
Castleford Goals: Tom Weaver 6
Bradford Tries: Esan Marsters 2, Joe Mellor, Luke Hooley
Bradford Goals: Luke Hooley 6
Team Lineups
Castleford: Cini, Valemei, McIntosh, Mapapalangi, Qareqare, Asi, Weaver, Atoni, Forber, Westerman, Lane, Hirst, Lawler.
Interchanges: Greacen, Doolan, Hall, Beckett.
Bradford: Aekins, Hooley, Marsters, Blake, Ryan, Nikorima, Milnes, Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Chamberlain, Ruan, Mellor.
Interchanges: Atkin, Ormondroyd, Hallas, Steinwede.
