Reserves beat Castleford in friendly

[josie andrews]

* Match Report as Wigan Warriors beat Castleford Tigers in a Reserves friendly at Robin Park Arena.

* Jacob Douglas scored in each half alongside Nathan Lowe, Harlen Smith and Finlay Yeomans with Jack Farrimond providing points from the tee.

* FT | Wigan Warriors Reserves 16-6 Castleford Tigers Reserves.

WIGAN WARRIORS SCORED FIVE TRIES TO RECORD A 26-6 FRIENDLY WIN OVER CASTLEFORD TIGERS AT ROBIN PARK ARENA.

An impressive first half from the Warriors saw Jacob Douglas, Nathan Lowe and Harlen Smith cross for tries with Jack Farrimond adding extra points from the tee.

Despite Castleford scoring the first points of the second half, Finlay Yeomans and Douglas crossed in the closing stages to complete the victory for the Warriors.

Report

The Warriors started strongly as Harvey Makin almost opened the scoring after three minutes with a powerful carry before being held up. Wigan applied further pressure to the Castleford defence as Josh Cartwright’s quick-thinking batted the ball into the hands of Tom Ratchford to score, however, the score was ruled out following a forward pass.

Farrimond was alert in defence to intercept a Castleford grubber kick before making 50m with a burst downfield. Wigan’s attacking pressure forced a knock on and a direct move out the scrum saw Farrimond’s cut-out pass send Douglas over in the corner for a converted score after 14 minutes.

Castleford were unable to make the most of an attack deep inside the Warriors half as the hosts extended their advantage at the opposite end. After Makin had made strong metres through the middle, Taylor Kerr and Noah Hodkinson combined to send Lowe over on the right edge seven minutes before the break.

An electric Warriors break through the middle almost saw Jack Purtill crash over for a third before being held up. Tom Ratchford’s burst of pace along the line created an opening for Smith to dive between two Castleford defenders with Farrimond adding the extras for a 16-0 half time lead.

Despite Castleford enjoying more possession in the opening stages of the second half, the Warriors almost scored the first points when a break from Hodkinson took his side 20m out. Ratchford’s solo attack on the last almost resulted in a try, however, the Tigers stood firm to keep the stand-off out.

Castleford benefitted from Warriors ill-discipline to gain attacking territory as Jenson Windley’s grubber in behind was touched down by Daniel Sarbah. Hooley made no mistake in adding the extras to reduce the score to 16-6.

The Tigers built momentum from the try as an attack deep inside the Wigan half saw Alfie Hawkhead crash through from close range to ground. Castleford’s celebrations were cut short as the score was ruled out for double movement.

As an end-to-end battle unfolded at Robin Park Arena, the Warriors added a fourth try on 67 minutes when Yeomans picked up George O’Loughlin’s offload to side-step the covering defender to score. Despite an unsuccessful kick from out wide, the points difference had been widened to 14.

In an attempt to add a second score in the final minute, a forward pass from Castleford presented the Warriors with one final attacking opportunity in the last minute. Clever play from Farrimond out the scrum saw his perfectly executed kick over the top collected by Douglas, who dived over for a second converted score.

Wigan Warriors: Noah Hodkinson, Jacob Douglas, Nathan Lowe, Finlay Yeomans, Josh Cartwright, Tom Ratchford, Jack Farrimond, Harvey Makin, Jack Purtill, Sam Walters, George O’Loughlin, Harlen Smith, Taylor Kerr.

Interchanges: Finlay Rogers, Austin Daniel, Kalum Rathbone, Sam Eseh Jr, Leo Wadsworth.

Tries: Douglas (14′, 79′), Lowe (30′), Smith (37′), Yeomans (67′).

Goals: Farrimond (3/5).

Castleford Tigers: Tylor Sharpe, Jacob Hall, Harrison Jewitt, Daniel Sarbah, Andy Djeukessi, Luke Hooley, Jenson Windley, Akim Matvejev, Alfie Horwell, Dan Okoro, Sam Darley, Sam Grice, George Hill.

Interchanges: Taylor Robinson, Alfie Salmon, Bradley Bullock, Woody Walker, Leo Skerrett Evans, Alfie Hawkhead, Yvann Kamgang, Denver Millington.

Tries: Sarbah (49′).

Goals: Hooley (1/1).

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/02/ ... -friendly/

[Mike]

Good to see fringe first team players getting game time. Let's hope the reserves get more fixtures this year.

[Blackpool_Pie]

Did anyone go? Very interested to know how Walters got on at prop

[Charriots Offiah]

Did anyone go? Very interested to know how Walters got on at prop

I will let you know after I have watched the game, it is my entertainment tomorrow evening.

[josie andrews]

Did anyone go? Very interested to know how Walters got on at prop

He did okay, but came off in the first half & went down the tunnel. He came back in the second half

[widdenoldboy]

I didn't realise it was streamed live on WiganTV??

Good on Wigan TV but poor advertising?

[widdenoldboy]

TBF, full game is on Wigan TV now.

[Charriots Offiah]

Did anyone go? Very interested to know how Walters got on at prop

He did okay, but came off in the first half & went down the tunnel. He came back in the second half

Walters went well but I still think he could do with a bit more weight on him, our best prop was Makin who played approximately 66 minutes, what a great engine the lad has. Eseh looks much fitter than last season and he had a good game as well. We have some really good players though. Farrimond, we all know how good he is. Kerr is all class great hands, fantastic step, willing to graft. Hodgkinson looks a very good fullback good under the high ball (although he did drop a spiral bomb), very elusive and quick. I like Leo Wadsworth, really aggressive and runs very hard the only issue could be his size, I’m hopeful that he will grow. Finally Ratchford, he may be down the pecking order regarding hookers but he will be pushing for a spot in the next few years.

All in all a very good work out.

[widdenoldboy]

About 3/4 through the game, good run out for both teams.

Have to comment on Jacob Douglas, yes we know he has the pace and finishing ability but he was so assured he looks ready for more first team rugby. He was rock solid under the high ball, excellent in defence and making good yards up the middle.