ACE JOE’S SO GUTSY
JOE BURGESS defied his dodgy guts to knock the wind out of the Tigers.
The Wigan winger threw up several times on the pitch in the first half but refused to go off.
His queasy tummy didn’t stop him from scything open Castleford with a 50-metre break that led to their first try from Oliver Gildart.
After the break he produced an even more blistering run, this time racing 70 metres to create havoc.
Castleford’s Luke Gale did well to stop him just short of the line but Burgess got the pass away for Gildart to score again.
Just as good was Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins, whose move to France to join Catalans Dragons next year is expected to be confirmed today.
His second half 40-20 paved the way for a try for stand-off George Williams that gave Wigan control of the game.
The win keeps them in second spot, two points behind St Helens who have played a game more.
It also gives the Warriors a healthy four-point cushion over Castleford, who had won their last four games against Shaun Wane’s side.
The Tigers were always chasing this one, though, after Gale and Tomkins traded early penalties.
Tomkins also missed another attempt in a rare early penalty fest that would have pleased watching England union boss Eddie Jones.
Gildart’s opening 18th-minute try was quickly followed by another after Liam Farrell twisted away from Ben Roberts.
Tomkins converted both for a 14-2 lead, but Castleford picked up and responded well to the danger with their own two-try rally.
Oliver Holmes superbly spun away from two tackles to touch down and Papua New Guinea star Garry Lo then grabbed a try on his Tigers debut.
Physical
Gale missed one of the conversions to leave them two points adrift at the break – but Gildart’s second try was a killer.
Castleford, who had scored 40 points or more in their last two games, couldn’t break down the Warriors again.
Williams’ try, converted by Tomkins, stretched Wigan’s lead to 12 points and in an impressive physical display they slowly forced Castleford into submission.
Prop Tony Clubb then sealed the win when he bludgeoned his way over from close range with four minutes left.