Player ratings as Warrington Wolves secure win over Castleford Tigers in controversial circumstances

WARRINGTON WOLVES overcame Castleford Tigers, 28-6, in controversial circumstances at The Jungle.

Warrington almost scored in the opening exchanges when Josh Thewlis slid over in the corner. However, a desperate Innes Senior tackle forced the winger into touch.

Debutant Jenson Windley went close before Luke Yates was sinbinned for a swinging arm to the head of Liam Watts in the 14th minute.

However, it was the Wolves that hit first on 24 minutes. Cai Taylor-Wray was adjudged to have grounded the ball on the line by video referee Liam Rush despite him appearing to be short and despite referee Tom Grant awarding a no try on the field. Thewlis expertly converted for a 6-0 lead.

Thewlis made it 8-0 with a penalty just before half-time as Castleford were found offside by Grant before the visitors almost scored on the hooter when Matty Ashton dived for the corner. He was dragged into touch, however.

HALF-TIME: CASTLEFORD TIGERS 0-8 WARRINGTON WOLVES

The writing was on the wall for the Tigers early in the second-half after a controversial first 40 minutes. John Bateman walked through a huge hole just five minutes in. Thewlis made it 14-0 with the boot.

Castleford seemingly recovered from that onslaught to respond on 52 minutes, Luke Hooley taking an Elie El-Zakhem pass to fly over for his first try in Tigers’ colours. Holey converted to reduce the deficit to eight at 14-6.

Yet another controversial Grant decision, however, this time for a harsh ball steal against Castleford, paved the way for the Wolves to settle proceedings just after the hour, Matty Nicholson going in off a Danny Walker pass. Thewlis couldn’t convert but the visitors led 18-6.

Ashton added another with a trademark finish before Thewlis rounded off the scoring with a try and a conversion for a 28-6 win.