MATCH DETAILS
Wigan Warriors ran out comfortable winners to strengthenย their grip on second place.ย The 28-12 win ended 4 straight defeats at the hands of the Castleford Tigers.
The game started in a tight fashion with both sides exchanging penalties, first through Luke Gale before Sam Tomkins replied seven minutes later. Tomkins’ penalty followed an attempt he missed in the previous set.
The first try of the game came through Oliver Gildart. Joe Burgess ran around 80 meters before being tackled, with Gildart scooting over the empty try line from the resulting play the ball. Liam Farrell quickly extended their lead to 12 with a try of his own.
Castleford responded before half time first through Oliver Holmes, before a quick flowing move allowed the Papua New Guinean winger Garry Lo to slide over in the corner for his first Super League try. With Gale only able to convert one of the two attempts it sent the Tigers into the sheds trailing 14-12.
The Warriors struck back immediately after the break again through Gildart, as once again Burgess ran through the line, and despite Luke Gale’s efforts Burgess was able to offload to his teammate who extended the lead to six again.
Wigan dominated the final quarter and never seriously looking in danger of conceding. They rounded off the scoring thanks to tries from George Williams and Tony Clubb, who crashed over with four minutes remaining to seal a 28-12 victory.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
Wigan’s left side is too strong
Once again another side struggled to control the Wigan left edge. With Burgess and Gildart both having an impressive match, they made it a difficultย evening for Jake Webster and Greg Minikin. That performance proved that Wigan favour their left side in attack, and on Friday’s evidence it is no surprise.
Cas have plenty left in the tank
After going agonisingly close to Grand Final success last season, Castleford Tigers will be confident that performances like this one will be few and far between. It is very early in the campaign, and with some impressive victories already under their belt, it is clear to see that the Tigers still have room for improvement. They will be looking to emulate Wigan’s show of resolve in defence the next time the two clubs meet, if they are to gain revenge.
Man Of The Match – Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors)
Burgess had a sublime match without scoring, two long breaks led to both of Gildart’s tries and rarely made an error. Deserved a try, however how he supported his team in the build up to tries proved crucial, especiallyย as Gildart’s second half try helped Wigan control until the final whistle.
THE RESULT
Wigan Warriors 28
Tries:ย Gildart (2), Farrell, Williams, Clubb
Goals: Tomkins (4)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
Castleford Tigers 12
Tries:ย Holmes, Lo
Goals: Gale (2)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
SQUADS
Wigan Warriors:ย S Tomkins, Marshall, Sarginson, Gildart, Burgess, Williams, Powell, Clubb, Leuluai, Flower, Bateman, Farrell, O’Loughlin, Isa.
Interchanges: J Tomkins, Sutton, Tautai, Navarrete.
Castleford Tigers:ย Trueman; Minikin, Webster, Shenton, Lo; Roberts, Gale; Watts, McShane, Massey, Holmes, Wardle, Foster.
Interchanges: Millington,ย McMeeken, Milner, Cook.
Referee: Chris Kendall
