Hungry Like The Wolves

Castleford Tigers 26-40 Warrington Wolves

Despite a strong second half display from Castleford, Warrington took all the spoils. LS Sport’s Hugo Greenhalgh reports from the Probiz Colisseum…

It is performances like these which make Warrington one of the top sides in the Super League. They withstood a Castleford resurgence to see out another victory and keep the pressure on league-leaders Wigan.

All eyes were on the Tigers’ Rangi Chase who returned to the side following a club-imposed three game suspension. However, the Wolves were brimming with confidence after reaching the Challenge Cup Final and Chase & co. were powerless to halt their surge, as Warrington strolled to a 0-30 lead in the first half.

Tries from Michael Monaghan, Ryan Atkins, Chris Riley and a brace from Ben Westwood helped put Wolves in the driving seat before the interval. And it looked worse for Castleford after the break as interchange David Solomona added another.

However, Castleford rallied to produce what was nearly a famous comeback. One spectator heckled Chase to “Show us what you can do”. The England international didn’t disappoint. After tries from Nick Youngquest and Rhys Williams, Chase showed his magic.

Weaving around his Warrington opponents, his dazzling hand and footwork saw him lay off Youngquest for his second try. Two more touchdowns followed for Richard Owen and Lee Mitchell to close the gap to 8 points.

Wolves held on though and a late breakaway try from Stefan Ratchford put the result beyond doubt, with Brett Hodgson adding his sixth conversion; Castleford 26, Warrington 40.

Wolves were brimming with confidence after reaching the Challenge Cup Final

The result has probably now put an end to Castleford’s playoff hopes, but there were encouraging signs particularly in their second half display. Their ground, known as ‘the Jungle’ to rugby league fans, also lived up to its famous, atmospheric reputation and the place can get very lively when the Tigers’ fans see something they like.

The Jungle is such a strong part of Castleford’s identity that it will be a great shame when they leave it behind for a new stadium in nearby Glasshoughton. With its imposing main stand and wooden seats, the ground oozes character and is very much a part of the ‘old school’ rugby league circuit.

But the promise of a state-of-the-art stadium and the opportunities Glasshoughton can bring to Castleford as a town have proved popular with supporters. Super League fans will hope that the famous atmosphere can also make the transition to pastures new.

Words: Hugo Greenhalgh