Wigan Warriors showcased a dominant performance at Wheldon Road, overwhelming Castleford Tigers with a staggering 60-6 victory to advance to the Challenge Cup semifinals.
The injury-plagued Castleford had no response to Wigan’s onslaught, conceding five tries within the opening 23 minutes. Winger Liam Marshall was on fire, scoring two of these tries before adding two more after halftime.
Contributions from Abbas Miski, Brad O’Neill, Bevan French, Adam Keighran, Kruise Leeming, and Tyler Dupree rounded up Wigan’s impressive tally. In contrast, Castleford managed to salvage some pride with Innes Senior’s late first-half try, which was duly converted.
Wigan’s triumph sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with Hull KR in May, a rematch from last season’s golden-point thriller.
However, Wigan’s victory was marred by a significant injury to forward Willie Isa, who suffered a dislocated ankle along with a broken leg. While Isa faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, both teams will meet again next weekend in Super League action.
Castleford’s hopes were dashed early in the game, with Wigan storming to a 12-0 lead within the first seven minutes. Jai Field set up Marshall’s first try before Brad O’Neill capitalized on Castleford’s defensive lapses to extend the lead.
Despite Senior’s try and Danny Richardson’s conversion offering Castleford a glimmer of hope, Wigan swiftly shut the door, sealing their spot in the semifinals.
The second half saw Wigan continue their dominance, with Marshall adding to his tally and Leeming, Miski, Keighran, and others contributing to the scoreline.
Castleford boss Craig Lingard expressed disappointment, stating, “There are ways to win games and ways to lose games, and that was not a way to lose.” Meanwhile, Wigan head coach Matt Peet acknowledged his team’s solid performance but expressed concern for Isa’s injury.
Castleford: Broadbent; Hodson, Tasipale, Wood, Senior; Miller, Richardson; Johnson, Horne, Kibula, Mellor, El-Zakhem, Westerman.
Interchanges: Namo, Robb, Martin, Hindmarsh.
Wigan: Field; Miski, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Thompson, O’Neill, Dupree, Isa, Farrell, Ellis.
Interchanges: Mago, Leeming, Hill, Nsemba.
Referee: Liam Moore.
Credit: BBC.com
