REPORT: Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers

Castleford Tigers were unable to produce a winning start to the Betfred Super League season, as they were defeated 26-16 on Sunday afternoon.

A roaring atmosphere greeted both teams, with an array of black and amber in the stands to kick-off our Centenary year in the right way - with a huge number of our supporters, the life-blood of the Club.

The Tigers on the field also had an excellent start, with sustained pressure resulting in Liam Hood crashing over for his first try for Cas, and Weaver adding his first Super League points.

However, it was Wigan who were pushing hardest after this, and soon had a try disallowed for a knock-on.

Some huge defensive efforts from Krystian Mapapalangi were not enough to eventually deny the Warriors a leveller though, and it was soon Cas 6, Wigan 10 after a breakaway down the right gave Bevan French the go-ahead try.

The Warriors, in the sun, started the second half well as Zach Eckersley touched down twice on the right despite some desperate defensive effort from the Tigers.

After some excellent breaks from Blake Taaffe had repeatedly got the Tigers up the field, a six-again was almost immediately followed by our second try of the afternoon, with Darnell McIntosh sending Mikaele Ravalawa in to the corner.

With just under 10 to go, Adam Keighran was sent to the sin-bin for a high shot, giving the Tigers a chance to end the game with a man advantage.

George Lawler, just before the hooter, crashed over to reduce the deficit, and Tom Weaver’s successful kick made the full-time result 16-26.

Attendance: 8,259