WARRINGTON Wolves were edged out 30-34 by Castleford Tigers in a thrilling encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Despite outscoring the visitors by six tries to five, the Wolves only managed three conversions compared to seven from the Tigers who moved up to join third in the table – with a game in hand.
The Tigers mgot off to a dream start after scoring twice inside the first seven minutes through Mike McMeeken and Calum Turner.
But after a poor start Warrington responded quickly with tries from Tyrone Roberts and Stefan Ratchford.
Daryl Clark scored from close range midway through the half with his converted try gaving Warrington the lead for the first time.
Sitaleki Akauola then produced a clinical finish for the Wolves but a superb move from the Tigers led to a try from Hitchcox with Calum Turner’s penalty making it 20-20 at half-time.
Josh Charnley continued his prolific try scoring form by restoring Warrington’s lead in the second half.
But Quentin Lalau-Togaga’e marked his debut for Cthe Tigers by scoring a converted try to edge the visitors in front and with time running out. Lalau-Togaga’e then turned provider to set up Oliver Holmes for another score.
Warrington hit back as Charnley crossed the line, for his 16th try in 12 matches, but Castleford held on for a memorable victory.
After the match Wolves’ Head Coach Stevce Price said: “There were patches when we gave ourselves a chance to win the game…our execution with the ball at times wasn’t there or fluid enough.”
Josh Charrnley touches down – Picture Eddie Whitham
For more pictures from Eddie Whitham CLICK HERE
Wolves
Tries: Roberts (12), Ratchford (17), Clark (21), Akauola (31), Charnley (53,70)
Conversions: Livett (22,32), Goodwin (71)
Tigers
Tries: McMeeken (5), Turner (7), Hitchcox (35), Laulu-Togagae (62), Holmes (66)
Conversions: Turner (6,7,36,40,63,67), Milner (74)
🗣 Coach Steve Price gives his thoughts on the narrow defeat to Castleford
“There were patches when we gave ourselves a chance to win the game…our execution with the ball at times wasn’t there or fluid enough”https://t.co/y5IjwH6k3J pic.twitter.com/4Wkj5dCEFT
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) June 8, 2018
