Liam Farrell (centre) secured Wigan’s decisive try in his 350th Super League appearance for the club.
Betfred Super League
Castleford (4) 20
Tries: Tate 2, Asi, Wood Goals: Atkin 2
Wigan (12) 26
Tries: Field, Keighran, Eckersley, Farrell Goals: Keighran 5
In a late surge, Captain Liam Farrell scored in the 77th minute, propelling Wigan Warriors to a hard-fought victory over Castleford Tigers. This win narrows the gap on Super League leaders Hull KR to four points.
Will Tate’s try with just seven minutes remaining had initially put the Tigers ahead at 20-18, threatening Wigan with consecutive defeats.
However, an Adam Keighran penalty leveled the score before Farrell capitalized on a Jai Field breakthrough to seal the win.
Earlier tries from Field and Keighran had given Wigan an eight-point advantage at halftime, but Castleford, currently 10th in the league, mounted a strong comeback.
Following Tate’s first-half score, Daejarn Asi and Sam Wood shifted the momentum in Castleford’s favor, only for Zach Eckersley to briefly restore Wigan’s lead before the game’s dramatic conclusion.
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The Warriors were previously stunned by Wakefield Trinity eight days prior. Coupled with league leaders Hull KR’s dominant form, their advantage at the top had extended to six points before this match.
Adding to Wigan’s challenges, prolific winger Liam Marshall sustained an injury during warm-up, with Jacob Douglas stepping in.
Contrastingly, Castleford swiftly found their footing after failing to score in their previous home game against Hull KR, with Daejarn Asi setting up Tate for a try in the corner within the first 15 minutes.
Wigan responded assertively, with Eckersley’s pass enabling Field to mark his 100th game for the club with his 18th Super League try of the season.
Despite missed opportunities due to handling errors, Keighran extended Wigan’s lead right before halftime.
A scrum in midfield saw Harry Smith release Keighran, who navigated through Castleford’s defense to score.
Castleford emerged revitalized in the second half, with Asi’s dummy allowing him to score and narrow Wigan’s lead to two points.
Wigan aimed to restore their lead, but Smith’s pass was intercepted by Tate, leading to Wood crossing over and putting Castleford ahead.
The home side disputed a captain’s challenge after Smith was penalized for blocking Josh Simm, resulting in the decision being overturned in Wigan’s favor.
Wigan capitalized on their regained possession, with Field’s pass finding Eckersley, and Keighran’s goal putting Wigan back in front.
Tate’s second try put Castleford ahead once more, fueling hopes of a rare victory, but Wigan demonstrated their resilience.
Following a high shot by Liam Horne on Jack Farrimond, Wigan strategically opted for an easy two points from Keighran’s kick, leveling the scores before Field’s brilliance set up Farrell for the winning try.
Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire said:
“I’m obviously really disappointed with the result but really proud of some of the things that we did.
“We probably lost the moments, and the last play of the game is probably one of those moments, and that’s probably why Jai Field gets paid the big bucks as he was able to drag a really good team out of a bit of a hole.
“I’m proud of the players and the way they went about things. They worked hard, they put their bodies in front against a big pack and they all cracked on with it.
“It’s a good sign for us moving forward.”
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet told BBC Radio Manchester:
“It ebbed and flowed. At times, I thought we were going to get beaten, some things of our own design and some things Castleford did well.
“We never got a full grip of the game, but in the end, we came on strong. It was about getting the game going set for set and we managed to do that towards the end.
“Castleford were unfortunate losers but we had some big plays from big players. We’ll take the two points and move on.”
Castleford: Cini; Simm, Senior, Wood, Tate; Asi, Atkin; Singleton, Horne, Amone, Lawler, Mellor, Westermann.
Interchanges: Griffin, Hall, Hill, Stimson.
Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Douglas; Farrimond, Smith; Byrne, O’Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis.
Interchanges: Havard, Mago, Dupree, Leeming.
Referee: Tom Grant.
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