Wigan Warriors were still smarting from last weekend’s loss
at Wakefield Trinity which saw Hull KR edge closer to taking their minor
premiers title as the champions slipped back towards the chasing pack and today
was the day that they would look to put the record straight and record a big
victory against a Castleford Tigers side who are struggling for any form in
2025.
The bookmakers gave the Tigers a twenty-point start on the
handicap coupon, very confident that Wigan would be able to narrow the gap to
the league leaders and improve their points difference at the same time.
A good early showing from the Tigers saw them rewarded as
they drew first blood on fourteen minutes when a Daejam Asi pass lofted pass
went wide to Will Tate to score in the left corner for his debut try. Chris
Atkin had the kicking duties but failed to add the extras.
Three minutes later Wigan replied with a Jai Field try from nothing
after Eckersley broke the Tigers line and ran for forty metres before finding
his full back inside in support for a walk-in try. Adam Keiran added the extras
to put his side ahead by 6-4.
As the game approached the half hour, Castleford were doing
brilliantly to defend their line, Wigan were not being allowed to play their
normal game.
Inside the last minute of the half the Tigers defence opened
up following a scrum on the half way line, Adam Keighran taking the ball at
first receiver and running fifty metres to score under the sticks making his
own conversion a formality
Inside the opening two minutes of the second half, the
Tigers went in for their second. A defensive error from the kick-off resulted in
a Wigan drop out and the Tigers took full advantage as Asi dropped his shoulder
and jinked past the defenders to score. Atkin added the extras, the margin back
to two points.
On fifty-seven the Tigers hit the front. A Tate intercept
and break to close to the Warriors line resulted in Sam Wood going through a
gap and sliding over for 14-12. Atkin added the extras from the touchline to
double the lead to four points, the home crowd had belief.
The Tigers had a try ruled out on sixty-three for a knock-on
and three minutes later it was Wigan who went back level. On the last tackle of
a set, and following a controversial but successful Captains Challenge, Zak
Eckersley bamboozled the Tigers defence as he went through a gap off a Field
pass. Keighran added the extras, Wigan two points ahead with eleven minutes
remaining.
On seventy-two the Tigers were back in the driving seat when
fast hands released Tate to bounce over the line for his second of the night as
he exploited an overlap wide right off a catch and pass from Zak Cini. Atkin
pushed his conversion attempt across the face of the uprights.
A high tackle from Liam Horne on Jack Farrimond gifted Keighran
a penalty from in front of the uprights again levelled the scores with four
minutes remaining.
Castleford hearts were broken on seventy-seven, Liam Farrell
taking the inside pass from Field who’s broken down the left wing before
finding his skipper to run home and seal the victory. Keighran added the conversion
for a 26-20 victory.
Castleford hearts were broken after a tremendous performance
which should have seen them pick up the win, and arguably would have done if it
hadn’t been for a dubious video refereeing decision. Wigan did keep their cool,
took full advantage of the opportunities that they were given, and against the run
of play they came through to snatch the win and take the two points to edge
them back closer to Hull KR. For Danny McGuire’s side, this loss will take some
getting over.
Castleford Tigers: Cini, Simm, Senior L, Wood (T), Tate (2T),
Asi (T), Atkin (G 2/5), Amone, Horne, Singleton, Lawler, Mellor, Westerman. Subs:
Stimson, Griffin, Hall, Hill. 18th Man: Okoro.
Wigan Warriors: Field (T), Eckersley (T), Keighran (T, G 5/5),
Wardle, Douglas, Farrimond, Smith, Byrne, O’Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell
(T), Ellis. Subs: Havard, Leeming, Dupree, Mago. 18th Man: Hill.
Half-Time: 4-12.
Full-Time: 20-26.
Score Progression: 4-0, 4-4, 4-6, 4-10, 4-12: HT: 8-12,
10-12, 14-12, 16-12, 16-16, 16-18, 20-18, 20-20, 20-24, 20-26 :FT.
Lead Exchanges: Castleford – Square – Wigan – Castleford –
Square – Wigan – Castleford – Square - Wigan.
Referee: Tom Grant.
