Tomkins Treble Tames Tigers
Sam Tomkins marked his 100th Wigan appearance with a hat-trick of tries as the Warriors defeated Castleford 4-46 to earn their third win in a row in Super League 17.
The result was rarely in doubt as the Warriors led 4-24 at half time, but they did have to fight off some determined Tigers attacks towards the end of the period.
Sean O'Loughlin opened Wigan's account on six minutes after slicing through the Castleford line from close range, and six minutes later, Tomkins raced in from 30 metres out in a trademark solo effort.
But the Tigers responded quickly through a try from Josh Griffin, who sneaked over in the corner after some excellent passing football from Rangi Chase and Richard Owen created the chance. Kirk Dixon pushed the difficult touchline kick just wide to keep Wigan 8 points in front at 4-12.
The Warriors quickly widened the gap though, as they worked up field with some attractive running rugby of their own before Jack Hughes sent Pat Richards in with a delicate one-handed ball.
Castelford took the battle to the midfield for the second quarter, threatening the Wigan line on a number of occasions as Rangi Chase tried to rally his troops with inspired attacking efforts.
Such efforts were in vain though as Tomkins edged towards a hat-trick two minutes before the break, skipping through the defence and sending a dummy to Darrell Goulding before squeezing in by the corner flag for his second try. Richards converted successfully again to finish the first half's scoring.
Wigan started the second half with clinical efficiency. Tomkins out-jumped Youngquest to claim a Brett Finch kick and his hat-trick after just four minutes of the second half.
Tomkins was also responsible for creating Richards' second try of the afternoon, as the full back went from one side of the pitch to the other before running back on himself and firing a pass to send the on-form Australian over in front of the Warriors fans.
Opposite winger, Josh Charnley also ensured his name was on the score sheet for a third consecutive week as again, good running lines from the Warriors opened-up a gap. Thomas Leuluai was the one to make the break, and drew the defence before sending Charnley clear. Richards uncharacteristically was off-target with the touchline conversion, and the score stood at 4-40 in the Warriors favour.
The Tigers were left undeterred, and continued to fight as they worked to contain Wigan. Rangi Chase was again the instigator as he broke through the Warriors line in search of a second try for his team, but Sam Tomkins was there to anticipate Chase's pass to Stuart Jones and make the tackle to enable the Wigan defence to recover.
The final 20 minutes was a more even contest, as the Castleford pack found some momentum and managed to play much of the game in Wigan's half, but it was to be Wigan who would score the last try as Tomkins was again instrumental in skipping around the defence to feed Charnley for his second. Richards completed the win with his 7th goal of the afternoon.
Scores:
Wigan Warriors
Tries: O'Loughlin, Tomkins 3, Richards 2, Charnley 2
Goals: Richards 7
Castleford Tigers
Tries: Griffin
Goals:None
Attendance: 8,156
Castleford Tigers:
Richard Owen, Nick Youngquest, Kirk Dixon, Ryan McGoldrick, Josh Griffin, Rangi Chase, Danny Orr, Jake Emmitt, Adam Milner, Stephen Nash, Oliver Holmes, Lee Mitchell, Stuart Jones
Subs: Daryl Clark, Steve Snitch, Nathan Massey, James Grehan
Wigan Warriors:
Sam Tomkins, Josh Charnley, Darrell Goulding, Jack Hughes, Pat Richards, Brett Finch, Thomas Leuluai, Epalahame Lauaki, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Sean O'Loughlin
Subs: Jeff Lima, Liam Farrell, Chris Tuson, Tom Spencer
http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... &type=news
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan