Match Reports Wigan Away| Wigan Away |
With both sides coming off the back of defeats Friday’s encounter between Wigan & Cas took on a little bit extra meaning as they looked to get their 1st points of the 2009 campaign. In what proved to be a fascinating encounter it was the visitors who came away with the spoils to heap more pressure on Warriors coach Brian Noble as the Cherry & Whites have lost each of their opening 3 games. Wigan were without Pat Richards and Cameron Phelps through injury and Richie Mathers through suspension whilst giving debuts to Karl Pryce and Shaun Ainscough who lined up alongside the likes of high profile imports Amos Roberts and Mark Riddell. For the Tigers Brent Sherwin came in for his 1st game of the year, with Rangi Chase dropping down to the bench, Dean Widders being the man to make way. The game started at a pace with 3 disallowed tries in the opening 10 minutes. First Kirk Dixon put a foot in touch then Ainscough had one chalked off for a forward pass and then Richard Owen appeared a little unfortunate to have one wiped off for a double movement. In the commotion that followed Cas skipper Ryan Hudson was placed on report. Two quick fire penalties by Dixon gave the Tigers a 4-0 lead but that was soon wiped off as Thomas Leuluai weaved his way through for a try which was converted by Roberts to give the home side a 6-4 advantage. Both sides tried to take the advantage but it was Sherwin who turned the tide in the Tigers’ favour as his astute kick was pounced on by Joe Westerman and moments later a beautifully timed pass to Michael Shenton saw the centre stride through to send Brett Ferres charging to the posts. Both tries were converted by Dixon and Cas went in at the break with a 10 point advantage. The home fans were becoming restless and let their feelings be known by booing the Warriors off at half time and then again when they returned for the 2nd half. The home side hit back almost straight after the break as Roberts sent Pryce in at the corner for an unconverted score but Sherwin’s towering kick was taken by James Evans who somehow managed to get the ball away to Dixon who dived over in the corner. This time the winger was off target with his conversion attempt and was unable to add the extras when another Sherwin pass sent Ferres in for his 2nd holding off Wigan half back Tim Smith for almost 20 metres to give the Tigers a 24-10 lead and the game looked over. Wigan though had other ideas and showing tremendous spirit brought the game to within 2 points with 3 unconverted tries in 8 minutes as Darrell Goulding and Joel Tomkins both scored in the corner before winger Ainscough broke down the touchline side for a well taken score on debut and with 13 minutes left on the clock it was anyone’s game. Over eagerness on attack and resolute defence meant the score remained the same until deep into injury time when Ryan McGoldrick sent the impressive Shenton in for the game clinching try sending the vociferous Tigers fans into raptures. Dixon was unable to add the 2 pointer but the game ended Wigan 22 Castleford 28. Terry Matterson was understandably delighted with the result and will be looking for more of the same when his side entertains SL newcomers Salford City Reds next Saturday. Sherwin made an impressive return to the side whilst Shenton and Ferres were outstanding down the left. There were also effective contributions from Stuart Jones, Chris Feather and Mitchell Sargent.
Wigan: Roberts, Pryce, Goulding, Carmont, Ainscough, Smith, Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, O’Carroll, Hoch, Tomkins, O’Loughlin. Subs: Paleaaesina, Hansen, McIlorum, Coley. Tigers: McGoldrick, Dixon, Evans, Shenton, Owen, Faumuina, Sherwin, Higgins, Hudson, Huby, Jones, Ferres, Westerman. Subs: Chase, Sargent, Feather, Netherton Ref: Steve Ganson Attendance: 12079 Man of the Match
1st Brett Ferres 3 points 2nd Brent Sherwin 2 points 3rd Michael Shenton 1 point |
