Wigan 18-12 Castleford

Wigan set up a play-off tie with Hull KR after holding off a late Castleford fightback at the DW Stadium.

In a hard-fought game, it took 22 minutes to trouble the scorers, with the Warriors registering the first points. Thomas Leuluai‘s bomb to the corner was palmed back by Pat Richards for Harrison Hansen to retrieve and dive over, after consultation with the video referee.

The impressive Leuluai was involved in Wigan’s second try, again putting a bomb up for Richards who this time was able to make the catch and offload to George Carmont who found the line in the corner.

Richards converted both tries from outwide, and added a penalty early in the second half to stretch Wigan’s advantage to 14-0.

Amos Roberts scored Wigan’s third try and the home side looked home and dry at 18-0 with 20 minutes to play.

But Castleford showed the sort of resolve they’ve become accustomed to under Terry Matterson this season, with Craig Huby forcing his way over and Joe Westerman‘s conversion putting them within two scores of the home side.

Westerman then converted his own four-pointer to set up a frantic finale. It nearly came off for the Tigers when Michael Shenton‘s kick to the corner was being chased by Kirk Dixon, but the bounce of the ball just went the wrong way for Castleford to end their season.

Wigan travel to Hull KR in their do or die play-off clash on Saturday.