Rugby League: Challenge Cup: Bradford 24 - 16 Castleford

Castleford threatened to pull off the greatest cup upset of the Super League era last night before David Solomona finally steered Bradford into the last 16. The Tigers, fielding arguably a stronger side than the one relegated last September, fought back from a 12-point half-time deficit and had the Bulls rattled at 18-16 only for Solomona to settle a ferocious Yorkshire derby with a powerful try.

On a night when Workington conceded 72 points at Leeds, and Batley a humiliating 78 at St Helens, Castleford's spirit salvaged a large chunk of respect for the National Leagues. Danny Brough, the star of Hull's cup final win against Leeds in Cardiff two years ago, led the fightback with a series of raking left-footed kicks and Craig Huby combined superbly with the veteran Awen Guttenbeil in the pack.

Castleford conceded a try inside three minutes to Glenn Morrison, who stretched over from close range for his sixth in eight appearances. But the Tigers stiffened their defence after that and deservedly pulled level with the game's second try, a 70-metre sprint for their wing Michael Wainwright after he pounced on Iestyn Harris's misdirected pass.

It took two moves of the highest class to give Bradford an 18-6 half-time lead. First, Marcus St Hilaire supported Chris McKenna's powerful diagonal break inside from the right and then Lesley Vainikolo charged on to a perfect pass from his fellow Kiwi Solomona to give the Bulls some breathing space.

It did not last long, as Castleford dominated the third quarter and cut the deficit to 18-16 with two tries of their own. Brough's boot was instrumental in both, first with a 40-20 to set up the position for Michael Shenton to cross in the left corner, and then a delicate grubber kick which was touched down by Peter Lupton.

Bradford were desperate for inspiration after losing both Vainikolo and Terry Newton to injury, and Solomona provided it.

Bradford Bulls St Hilaire; McAvoy, B Harris, Evans, Vainikolo; I Harris, Deacon; Vagana, Newton, Lynch, Solomona, McKenna, Morrison. Interchange Feather, Cook, Henderson, Burgess.

Castleford Tigers Saxton; Donlan, Shenton, Dixon, Wainwright; McGoldrick, Brough; Higgins, A Henderson, Huby, Guttenbeil, Charles, Lupton. Interchange Leafa, Glassie, Barker, Clayton.

Referee A Klein (Silsden).