Quarter-Final: Wigan v Castleford Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Good afternoon. Welcome to Wigan. We thought this was meant to be a

summer sport. It is horrible here. It is dark. It is damp. It is rainy.

There is plenty of enthusiasm in the crowd. They are ready to go for a

tote Liz Challenge Cup quarter final. -- Tetleys. We hope the two

sides this afternoon light up the next couple of hours.

Try! Oh, my word. Sam Tomkins, per curial genius. -- mercurial.

What an off-load and Michael Shenton scores. A very good try.

It should be a fascinating afternoon ahead here at the DW Stadium between

Wigan, the cup holders, and Castleford, who have surprised many

with their Super League performances this season. Got a team of experts

ready to go to entertain you. We also want you to be involved as

well. There you go, look at them! They are ready to entertain, let me

tell you. We want you to be involved as well, though. Plenty of ways in

which you can do that. # We have two games for you. Tomorrow

we'll be on BBC Two as we see Bradford against Warrington.

Brian noble, John Wilkin and Jamie Peacock alongside me for two hours

or so. You think the weather could have an effect this afternoon. It

has been lashing down. I'd like to hope it wouldn't, because both teams

play really excellent rugby league football. But it slightly favours,

the wet weather slightly restricts what Castleford would like to do.

They will have to be more conservative. Wigan have the

structure and game plan to be more conservative. Their systems will get

them to the right parts of the field. Castleford like to take a

chance with the ball and promote the ball around. That will inhibit It's

going them. To be tight though. What's really interesting about

today is that we have a team that attack fantastically well, that's

Castleford. Daryl Powell deserves credit for how smart they're

attacking, the bigger players releasing their speed. They're

playing against the best defensive team, or one of the best in the

competition. Wigan have only missed 290 tackles total this season in

Super League. That's not a lot of missed tackles. It's interesting,

great attack versus great defence. Let's bring in the Carl Froch of

Super League, I said they were a surprise. I'm only saying that

because he's a lot further away from me than from you! From a Castleford

point of view, I did say they were a surprise package. Have they just

built on how they ended last season? Yeah Daryl Powell came in, he had

three months in preseason to build on his coaching, which is based

around honesty and hard work. They have a huge squad. If you don't play

well, you're out of the team. He also lets them play, lets every

player play. There's not one player who hasn't got their license to pass

or off-load, that's why they've scored a lot of points. Kickoff is

2. 30pm. It is quarter final weekend in the Challenge Cup. We've had two

quarter finals already, one of them was cracking. The other one less so.

The Vikings put in a convincing performance against championship

side Keithly. They made the most of every opportunity. They capitalised

on a poor kick to put Tom Gilmore in for the first of the night. Despite

not being selected for the England Koran Kevin Brown was instrumental

in a solid performance, score twoing tries including an impressive

50-metre dash tries including an impressive

second. It was Brown's spectacular kicking game that created an age

try. -- Eid try. -- eighth tie. kicking game that created an age

Championship leaders put in a performance against the leads

rhinos. performance against the leads

The first points of the game went to the rhinos by Ryan Hall.

But it didn't take long for them to bounce back. Tom Spencer

But it didn't take long for them to Armstrong ran in two tries in four

minutes. It was a stunned Leeds side who were outclassed with the second.

A gutsy effort by the championship side, who kept the ball alive

through a series of off-loads before Armstrong finished it off. Despite

an impressive first-half performance, they were unable to

stay on top. A converted try by Stevie Ward meant it was all square

going into the break. A fight broke out in the opening minutes of the

second half, which resulted in man of the match Jamie Peacock being

shown a yellow card. It was Oliver Wilkes what came close to claiming

the lead, but it was a missed opportunity, as he dropped the ball

over the line. Any dreams of a semifinal place was shattered by the

Rhinos in the closing seven minutes. With the prospect of extra time

looming it was Robbie Ward who snatched victory for the Rhinos with

a try in the 73rd minute. A drop goal came minutes later. And Zach

Hardacre sealed the win. Let's deal with the match itself,

shall we, Jamie. They gave you a real, real tough test last night.

Yeah it was a very difficult game. Full credit to them. It's the most

difficult game I've had against opposition outside the Super League.

They had a lot of flair with the ball. They were committed. At the

end of the game, they were gutted they had lost. They didn't come just

to They are compete. Ready for super. You can't stop laughing. I

just want to get to the good stuff. They are ready for Super League.

Yeah they are. It's an important game, last night, we have the new

structure coming in next year, promotion and relegation is coming

back. Everybody in the game was just holding their breath and hoping

Leigh could make the game competitive. It was fascinating to

watch and a good example of what the championship can produce, some

great, young players. Do you want to see the good stuff. We all want to

see it. You weren't man of the match, Jamie. What happened? If you

head butt someone, there's normally repercussions. You asked me earlier

if I was rattled. That's me cool, calm and collected to be honest. I

thought you held it together quite well. What due say at the end? I

said, leave it out on the field, mate. There's a lot of respect for

the way they played. That's the best thing about our game, you can have

that situation and it doesn't get carried on. We just get on with

things. That's why JP has been a great ambassador for the sport all

these years. It's important that we prove to you that we may have

fighters, but we can be lovers as well. Take a look at what has

happened here. Not literally, but here at the DW Stadium, there has

been a wedding today between Allen and Kelly Barlow. They booked the

venue before they knew there was a Challenge Cup quarter final here.

They are huge Wigan rugby league fans. The fact that we're going to

play today has enhanced their day. We wish them plenty of luck in the

future. Isn't that heart warming, Brian? I wonder what position she

plays in Wigan. I meant... That was in a nice way! Of course. We hope

you have a special day, Alan and Kelly. Let's move on and get the

team newsment Thanks. Wigan have had horrible injury

problems in recent weeks. Up to nine and ten players injured. A few

familiar faces are back for them. Sean O'Loughlin came back last week

and played about 60-odd minutes last week. They've got Ben Flower back,

Michael McIlorum and Liam Farrell. A more familiar-looking line up. James

Greenwood is -- Blake Green is still out. So they also have George

Williams. A more settled Castleford side. Aaron Finch is back. He was

rested last week. The big miss for them is Justin Carney on the wing.

He's been taking lessons from Jamie Peacock, a bit of a punch up a

couple of weeks ago. James Clare comes in for him. Huby has been

going fantasticically great. England picked for the -- Huby picked for

the England squad and Daryl Clark at We'll talk hooker. About the absence

of Justin Carney as well later. When you look at the Super League table

and you mentioned this already, we can see that Castleford and Wigan

are in third and fourth, but the points scored by Castleford stands

out. They're the top scorers. They scored the most tries this year, the

reason for that, the building of this honesty, the culture, Clark is

so integral to their attack, along with some of their bigger players,

who create space for the likes of Shenton and Carney, who have been

amongst the tries. You look at the defence. You have two second and

third best defence. Everybody has been focussed on how many points

Castleford have scored. They have the third best defence as well.

Daryl has that work ethic that Jamie was speaking about before. When they

don't have the ball, it's massively important, probably one of the

features of them being in One of third. The interesting stories

around today's game is that Wigan haven't actually lost in the cup at

home since 1986. The last team to beat them at home in the cup were

Castleford. However, this current Wigan team are a much different

prospect when they have their captain in the side.

There's Edwards going away, straight down the middle!

Surely now that's the try that will take Wigan through.

The record the club has now is pretty special. To have not lost a

game for so long, you hear what an achievement it is. You don't want to

be the team who lose it's for us. Wig around has always had it from

the 80s an 90s, being unbeaten. There's a bit of romance about this

trophy that the lads really tie into. The question is who can ever

take it from them. Some of my fondest memories of watching Wigan

were at Wembley. Watching them win that trophy. That's something that

once you've seen, it and you get an opportunity to play for your town,

it's something you want to emulatement Sean O'Loughlin wins

that trophy. It's a Wembley occasion that belongs to the town of Wigan.

Last year was a special year. We had quite a few lads leaving. We knew

early in the year it was going to be going. It pulled us together to send

them off on a high. We did that in a great way, winning this and the

Grand Final. Sam Tomkins wins it for Wigan! They are double winners. Sam

last year, along with a few key players for us, probably started the

year and we were finding our feet, getting to grips with new players.

Then we founds our feet getting to grips with new players.

to play good football again. getting to grips with new players.

got the space here. They've got the pace with Burgess, who's going to

skip away for his second try of the night. Fabulous. We know what we

have to do this weekend. We know it's going to be a tough game. We

played them early on in the year. They did a good job on us. They

turned us over at Castleford. We probably underestimated them a bit.

They have a great coach in Daryl Powell. It's going to be a tough

game for us. We're a way off building a dynasty yet, but there's

more expectation on us now than ever in the past. We want to get our

hands on this trophy again. We know to do that, we've got to have a

great performance to beat Castleford.

Jon Wilkin, it is easy for me to say they are a different side

Jon Wilkin, it is easy for me to say in the starting 13. Why are they

different? Sean O'Loughlin does not do one thing particularly well, he

does everything very well. He brings intensity, aggression and smart

players to their team. What else can you say about him? He is one of the

best players in our competition for all of those reasons. When you are

playing against him, he is in your face. He initiates contact. One of

our bigger players, Sean was off the line to hit him, and that shows

intent and leadership. At man that big is difficult to tackle. We track

is run, the break, but to be able to make this play, 23 metre

left-to-right pass on the move, there are not many players

left-to-right pass on the move, do that, and he is one

left-to-right pass on the move, is why he is special to this Wigan

side. He finds himself in position is why he is special to this Wigan

wouldn't. That is due to his versatility and his play. He is a

leader and he can hit and he is very smart and always thinks making a

fantastic player. You can see him loitering on the pitch on the

right-hand side of your screen. The Wigan team are just starting to

stretch out now. Sean O'Loughlin The Wigan team are just starting to

one of the key three players I am picking out today. He is a sticky

player and defenders will have to deal with him when he has the ball.

player and defenders will have to The nucleus of the forward pack is

this man in the background, Michael McIlorum. He is a little terrier. He

will get into everything. He is not the biggest bloke on the field, but

he goes in at a million miles the biggest bloke on the field, but

hour. We are looking at the spine of the team. One of the players that

has been brought in this year is Mattie Owen. He is just doing a bit

off at work with the ball air. When he is carrying the ball, if you are

a defender, if he is running back at you, it is a frightening place to

be. They can do so much. Keep your eyes on those three players which

make up the spine of the Wigan outfit. And take us through the

team. At the back, they have a lot of experience in Mattie Owen. Watch

out for Joe Burgess, one of the fastest players in our competition.

Anthony Gelling has had limited opportunities but always plays well.

Dan Sarginson, watch out for his footwork and his fantastic defence.

In the halfbacks, some people will be shocked to see George Williams at

stand-off. He has been a hooker in recent times, but equally

comfortable there. Matty Smith polls all the strings at scrum-half and

will be getting the ball the majority of the time today for

Wigan. The hooker, Michael McIlorum, one of my favourite players in the

competition at the moment. He is tough, robust, such a competitor.

Watch out for his aggression, sometimes it teeters over, but he is

a fantastic way. Two very competent props on either side of him. Is this

the best back row in Super League? Possibly. John Bateman does think

that his age that he should not be doing. He is schooling at the back

rows in this competition. Liam Farrell, full of energy, fantastic

wrestling. And we have said enough about Sean O'Loughlin already. Jack

Hughes, young back row, plays very well and a great athlete. Dominic

Crosby, impressed by him and he has huge international potential. Lots

of youngsters. Yes, but so many good young players doing a great job for

them. Finally, Ryan Hampshire, lightning fullback, and Ryan Sutton,

what a day for him. A young man whose dream about laying in the

Challenge Cup, he has come in and taken the opportunity. He's so young

he does not have an official photo. Their average age is 23. It shows

what a production line of talent they have at this club. There must

be several more knocking on the door to try to play today. From Wigan,

let's move on to Castleford. We have a kicking masterclass from Marc

Sneyd. Do not try this at home, you might dislocate your hip!

I am doing everything the same as I did last year, but now I am

experimenting. The most unusual ones worked. They thought I was joking at

first. He is putting out all the noise. He has set that superbly

well. Terrific kick from the touchline. White through the

centre! I try to curl it like football in that sense. As long as

the wall keeps going through the sticks, I am not going to complain

about it. As accurate as you like. Everything about the place is

absolutely outstanding this year. They are flying! Marc Sneyd, the

architect. Everyone is happy and everyone knows their roles. It is

working well. As long as we carry on playing, we can probably beat

anybody in our day. Is finding his kicking boots now. He is on loan

from Salford. You will know him well. Aside from the 59 Super League

goals he has this year, ye also leads in try assists as well. He is

a dangerous player. He can play, he can break the line, and as you say,

I think it is 75 try assists this year. That teens he can pass the

ball as well. He is pivotal to what Castleford do and don't do today.

One of Castleford's keys to success is that everyone is a threat, I know

we talk about Marc Sneyd there, but you cannot just take out one person.

Everybody is, is contributing. If you look at Michael McIlorum and

John Bateman, they are combated players. Justin Carney is the same

for Castleford. He is there a aggressive player. He can score

great tries, but he is aggressive for a winger. Once he gets in your

face, I think they will miss that right in the game. They will miss

the prowess coming out of that end as well. They are going through the

final bumps, the Castleford players down next to them in the rain. They

are feeling a lot of love at the moment. You can see they have

confidence. Andy Lynch, the big guy in the middle of the field, what he

does if he brings experience. He will settle down when things go

crazy. Craig Huby is another one, just their running off the field. He

has got a big beard. And Daryl Clark, one of the top players in the

Super League this season. He will be looking to jump out. They are going

back in, they have just had a good warm up and are looking to get the

game underway. Let's look at one of the battles today, Michael McIlorum

against Daryl Clark. Daryl Powell said he was the best hooker in Super

League this season. It is hard to argue with those statistics. He

carries the ball. If Huby Andy Lynch get on the front, look at the

meters. Every time he carries 1800 metres, to average out in the Super

League is huge. Every time Daryl Clark carries the ball, he is a

threat on the back of what they do. Don't underestimate what Michael

McIlorum am the effect that he has on the Wigan team as well. His

control, his dynamic and organisation, he runs when it is

right. Not as many times as Daryl Clark, but he is still effective.

His leadership qualities put him on the top of the pile, and that is why

he gets the nod at international level above Daryl Clark. Wherever

you look, forward wise, they have got threat and power. You can bring

Huby and Lynch into this as well. This clip encapsulating what

Castleford do best. You could have got -- you have got Clark and

running there. A very clever shape. We have thinly, Slade.

Expect to see Clark running a lot today. This one here, a big run in,

instead of passing the ball, getting into contact and finding an

off-load. Craig Huby's game has developed. He is a fantastic player.

The ability to run the, bump, off-load or pass gives you a lot of

options, and Castleford will feed off the back of that. I think

Fulford do a lot of things. They fancy this today, Castleford.

Go through their side for us. The jewel in the crown of

Castleford's back three is Luke Dorn, a great finisher. He scored 12

tries in the last nine games. And here is where the power lies.

Michael Shenton, skipper of his hometown club, back in the England

training squad and at the top of his game. Marc Sneyd, we featured his

kicking game. In Super League, his passing game is pretty awesome as

well. And Liam Finn, these are the most talked about halfback

partnership in the game. A powerful front row, highlighted by Jon

Wilkin. Craig Huby is on the top of his game. Daryl Clark, watching go.

And they're back three, they underestimated, overworking Oliver

Holmes, 21 years old, last year's Young player of the year. Lee Jewitt

was weighing room the recently but was brought back with an injury. He

is in the team. Plenty of size off the bench. Grant

Millington has found for me, with Frankie Mariano. They have some

sides, those two! And finally, Scott Wheeldon from the London Broncos,

club of last year. Jamie Ellis coming off the bench, might have to

give Daryl Clark a bit of a rest. He is also adept at playing in the

halfback position. His kicking game may prove to be crucial. The

build-up to this game has been dominated by some needling between

both head coaches. Let's hear from them. They

both head coaches. Let's hear from The young guys have done

fantastically in recent weeks, but a The young guys have done

relief? Yes. Ben Flower, he has been a great player for me. The young

kids have done a great job. The senior players in the team give some

stability, and that is what is needed today. How confident are you

players that they can beat Wigan year-to-date? We will have to play

exceptionally well, there is no doubt about that. Wigan are a great

side with high-quality players, so we need to be good. But we feel

confident about ourselves. The players are ready to go and looking

forward to the big challenge in front of us. If we play well

enough, I expect us to have a good chance of winning the game.

Difficult conditions? We need to be a bit safer, a bit more

conservative. Hopefully we will put Castleford under pressure. They will

find it hard to play today, and that was a game plan for us. They have

some real talent on their edges, but we need to defend really well, and

that is what we will do. What are the key areas today? Looking at the

conditions, it is going to be wet, no doubt about that. The kicking

game, controlling possession and field position is going to be huge,

and taking your chances, that will not be too many, I would have

thought. I do not expected to be a high-scoring affair. We will need to

take our chances. We have got the players to do that. Decision-making,

in terms of what you do with the ball, is going to be important,

because the conditions are. Should we celebrate the fact that today we

have two coaches, two British coaches, who have revitalised the

two clubs? Without a doubt we should celebrate that. The squads are full

of great English players who are doing a job. They are not just in

there because the players are injured. They have got some great

English players. Why have they had a bit of a ding-dong this week, the

coaches? I don't mind. If it is raising the stakes, it is providing

entertainment for us all. Brian fired the first salvo and said they

are going there to win. Sean likes to dip into that emotional well all

the time and fire up his players. 1.1 Castleford, their last losses

have been against St Helens, Leeds and Huddersfield. All topsides. Can

they beat a top team? Brian is going to leave here and join the

commentary. He is going to go via where the wedding party are having

their celebrations and will invite them all around! There has been a

bit of needle in the leader to this between the two coaches, nothing

wrong with that, it all adds to the hype.

Sam Tomkins, mercurial genius! A sensational try!

The little man is in! It is try time for Wigan. And a very good try.

at home was 1986 and Castleford did the damage. Can they repeat that

today? Let's go to our commentary team, Brian Noble, Jonathan Davis

and Dave Woods. There's the trophy glimering away.

There's a curtain of grey rain hanging over the stadium today.

These are the days the sunshine of Wembley seems a long way away.

But cut through the gloom and glory awaits for one of these two sides.

Should be a really good occasion today. Wigan have a few good names

back: Wigan pedigree is impedestrian

Kabul. Cas have got their -- is impeccable. Cas have got their class

back this year. This should be good. Handling of important on a --

importance on a wet day. Bowen looks to test the Castleford defence. Here

we go. What are we expecting today? Weather conditions haven't helped.

It will be interesting getting the ball out of their own quarter. Wigan

are so, so young. They've got to handle the pressure now. Cas very

confident at the moment. They're looking for the off-load, it will be

a fantastic game. Wigan's youngsters have been one of the stories of the

season so far, haven't they? How they've come through and performed

on the big stage. They don't come too bigger than this. Ben Flower

drives it in. Quarter final of the Tetleys Challenge Cup. A first touch

for Castleford here. A couple of early indications there about the

attitude of this Wigan team in relation to restricting Castleford's

progress. A little bit of spill from the floor.

Lynch loves to get the arm free. Plenty of players around him on that

occasion. Clark scoot it out. Jowitt, rare start for him today.

Liam Finn with a kick over the top. Bowen has to bend and a bit of work

to do here. He's an electrifying runner, given space. They can't

afford him much room. It will be like a game of chess. The first 20

minutes, they won't want to spill the ball in their own half. That

will be the priority. The conditions have changed their mind set, from

the training in the week. That lovely weather in the week, totally

different mind set now. This man keeps his place ahead of

Josh Charnley, who is fit today, but has not been selected. Manfredi is

the man they stay with. He's working on dual registration to get match

sharpness back. That's great for team spirit. If you are playing

well, if you have someone like Josh Charnley, he

well, if you have someone like Josh to get back in. A little pressure on

the kick. It's kept alive here. Still the sixth tackle, but

Castleford claim it any way. A knock-on? Yes, there was.

It will be Wigan's. Big decision. Good result for Wigan. I think that

came off Gelling. It D -- did. I'm not sure if that's the right call.

We will have to wait and see. There's an element of controversy

about it. But it's Wigan who have position. We talk about the

youngsters coming through. We class Farrell as a veteran these days -

he's only 23 for heaven's sake! Wigan ranging forward again here.

Look how close they're getting. Castleford fans sit behind those

sticks, they're looking to help their defenders. O'Loughlin, there's

that rule that's been causing a lot of controversy this year,

obstruction. They railly have to do something about that, don't they?

Was that obstruction? That is obstruction. He impeded the defender

there. We've discuss aid few, at the game -- discussed a few, at the game

last night. It needs clearing up for everybody. For me that was

obstruction. If you've got time to adjust in the defensive line and

push out, then you've got to leave it go. It's just getting ridiculous

now. I agree entirely. You're taking the easy option, running into

defenders. It's not what the game is about.

Huby clobbered. Three of them, it's a feature of Wigan's defence, that

Huby clobbered. Three of them, it's Castleford don't do bat at it -- bad

at it either. They all know how to bend their backs and get dirty. I

think the kicking game will be crucial today.

Especially in your own half. Sixth tackle coming up, Finn will

hoist it high. It's gone out of play by a long, long way.

Daryl Powell won't be happy with that. They worked hard to get to

that field position. That's a wasted kick at the end of the set.

They have some history here, Castleford. Ancient history in terms

of the cup. The last team to win in Wigan in the Challenge Cup, back in

1986. They've won their last two Wigan in the Challenge Cup, back in

game here last June, 18-4. Earlier this year, they won at Castleford,

36-31 in a thrilling game. The first ever rugby league game here, in

1999, on this ground, Castleford won that one, a play-off game.

One of nine Wigan players have been named in the England training squad

this week. Matty Smith is another. He will put

the kick in. Is it covered? Yes. Great catch from

Clare. Good take. They're struggling to

find yards for their own line here Castleford. That will help.

He wanted a penalty the first time around. He thought he was whacked

around the head. It's this play that Gil Dudson impeded Craig Huby.

Clark is sharp. They've got a bit of room here.

Shenton stepping back down the middle. Desperate Wigan defending

led by Gelling. Castleford have momentum here. Rolling forward

again. Two tackles to go.

Less than 20 metres to cover. Not a good option there. Slowed the whole

movement down. This has to be a precise kick. Clark back to Sneyd.

He tries to thread one there. Bowen is down there as well. It's a

difficult take on this kind of pitch. You can't mess about. You

just have to get down, take the ball and start again. The one big

difference with me with Castleford this year, is that the confidence is

one thing. But you can see they believe when they come to places and

beat sides. Pick up by Williams. He's going to

have a go. Gelling slides back and just about retains. Misread that

Bateman. Last tackle. Wigan have to kick. Smith under pressure gets it

away. Taken on the full by Dixon. That gives him a yard or two. Up to

the halfway line. That's great pressure by Castleford. Put the

kicker under pressure. Now they're starting their set near the halfway

line. Sneyd put the pressure on, disrupted the kick and Dixon the

ability to claim the ball in the Wigan half. Three tackles gone.

Inside Wigan territory. Oliver Holmes comes on.

I think they're controlling their off-loads as well. They've had so

many off-loads this year. Now conditions - Oh, forward pass for

Sneyd. Adjudicated obstruction I think. He has, penalty. Let's have a

look. Yeah, clear obstruction again. If you know they're clamping down on

it, you've got to think of something else to do. You have to put it

through the hands maybe. They have to be different. The ref is going to

blow straight away. Line speed is very good from both

sides at the moment. We expect that in the first ten minutes of each

half. Good contest, this. Shenton desperately hanging on.

Clare got in there as well, as did Holmes.

Matty Bowen and Matt Smith. Smith up to the line.

Castleford's defence is shaping up here.

What was that? Not a very good kick. He's happy. A salute from the

Castleford tiger. Look at the pressure. He's going against the

grain with the kick. That's a difficult kick. You've got to stand

still. If you're running across the field and trying to put that in the

air, that's a tough kick to do, a tough skill. It should have come off

his left foot and then banged it high. You'd have expected better,

though. Yeah, but, you know. It's a rare mistake. It is a rare mistake.

I'll accept one of those every now and again from Sean O'Loughlin.

At the moment, there's nothing happening for them.

Clark off and running. He's almost through. The recovering effort from

Flower to bring him down. The chip goes in again.

Burgess has missed! It was lucky for him it came off the boot of Dixon.

He got away with that. He got away with. It he lost this in the air. He

took his eyes off it. That mistake could have been punished. Got away

with this. There you go, Burgess clearly spills it. Has he played

that, Dixon? Or did it just hit his heel? It's come off Dixon. Yeah.

Was it raining in Cardiff today? Yes, all the way up. You can see

what they are trying to do, every tackle they are trying to go for the

ball. The tension retention has been good by both sides.

Not too much on the left-hand side, Marc Sneyd will have to

Not too much on the left-hand side, something happen. Ten metres away,

how good is his boot? He knocks it on! They are having a look at this.

Two knock-ons. Years so unlucky. He did not expect the ball to come out,

he courted by surprise and then he dropped it.

We have got the video referee. We are making sure everyone is

We have got the video referee. We to start with. Freeze it on the

kick. Everyone is on site. We can carry on. To me, you could class

that as Wigan doing a charge-down, not a knock-on. I need an angle in

there a lot closer. Rising ball, Wigan man touches the ball. That

there a lot closer. Rising ball, a charge-down. That is not a

knock-on by Wigan. Then it does touch the Castleford man, who loses

the ball forwards in a field of play, so it is going to be no dry,

the ball forwards in a field of Wigan. It is going to be interesting

to hear the Castleford reaction to this! I think that is the wrong

decision. That is not a charge-down. He has played that ball, and that is

decision. That is not a charge-down. a knock-on. That should be a

decision. That is not a charge-down. Castleford scrum, attacking scrum. A

charge-down is when you go for the kick and you are rushing acid.

charge-down is when you go for the is not a charge-down in my eyes.

charge-down is when you go for the explanation of the rule is there,

the borders of the boot and it is rising. It is nothing

the borders of the boot and it is charging the ball down! That is the

114 Castleford. Just to be clear, it was never a dry. It should have been

an attacking scrum for Castleford. The kicking game has been important,

because opportunities come both from kicks.

Two tackles to go, Wigan ranging close ear. Down the blindside. Both

Wigan are attacking down their right hand side, and Castleford want to

attack down their left-hand side. Maybe they would -- the reason is

that they are trying to hide Marc Sneyd a bit. He is pivotal in the

kicking game. They might be trying to take some Jews out of him. --

some Jews. There have not been many mistakes.

That is the first one. A good attacking position for Wigan.

The errors are beginning to mount up, not that there have been many.

Three apiece, the errors so far. Here is Bateman, John Bateman. He is

still only 20. He has had a terrific season, in his debut season here for

Wigan. An obstruction. Every time you hear the referee's whistle, you

can guess that it is an obstruction. I am still worried about the

charge-down, let alone these obstructions. We're watching that,

and by the letter of the law, he has run behind a defender, so it is an

obstruction, so we can understand that. Somebody will throw able but

at me, but in the spirit of the game... You have to have empathy for

the game sometimes. Clark is such a dangerous runner. He

spots the opportunity and start away. The word on the street if he

is on his way to Warrington next He has a chance! He can't keep a

hold of it. Free play. Advantage here.

They make a mistake straightaway and give possession back to Castleford.

Fairly whale -- well played I am not sure there. It is a

difficult ball, difficult pass. There is the blade, the ball, very

clumsy. Trying to be a bit too quick, lost to the control, and now

they are under pressure again. And would have been tempted on the great

pass from Hauraki dispute in on this wet surface. He is eight big winner.

Matty Bowen is not the best defensive fullback. You have to have

a go at him. What about what comes next? Castleford I'm position, less

than ten metres away. Clark picks it up and throws it back to Liam Finn.

This dedicated Liam Finn. -- the steady headed Liam Finn.

He hits the line. Wigan's defence wins it. I thought the tackle was

complete. Again, it did not need to miss the player. They created the

overlap, and yet they missed a player. A lot of players tend to do

this. They throw a long pass and miss someone out it through their

hands if you have created the numbers! It was that second effort

in the tackle. Yes, a good decision. Wigan's defence has been

impenetrable at times in the Super League this year. They will need to

get that great here to keep Castleford at with a repeat effect

on their line. It looked forward from our angle. A

lot of pressure. In a game of momentum, you feel with this

pressure, Castleford should have something on the scoreboard.

It is hard to argue. They defended well there, Wigan, because they had

to. They still have some hard yards to

do here, Wigan, to escape their own area, their own end of the pitch.

Castleford has played very controlled rugby in the first 21

minutes. It is Matty Smith you will truly

forward. A good kick. It is slow. They are going to kick

early. It is not a good kick. Advantage Wigan there, and the last

few kicking game saw Smith clear. Owen brings it straight back in.

A rushed kick and then a penalty. We spoke about momentum. Now it is

Wigan's opportunity. The attack was complete. Daryl Powell said before

the game, it would not be a high-scoring game, and his words are

being acted out here. Wigan will sense that they have an opportunity

now. Bateman is only five metres away. He has lost it!

Five mistakes each. Queue stretching for it. It is not the path you want.

He is the one who is going to run the show. The pass has got to be the

breadbasket for him. So pretentious, new hardbacks! You can get in touch

with us on Facebook and Insta grammar.

Bradford against Warrington tomorrow, and you can hear the

semifinal draw very soon. We know witness in -- Widnes and

Leeds are there. Will it be Wigan or Castleford, Bradford or Warrington

to follow them? The thing about Boeing, he looks

safe on the high ball. I know he was not

safe on the high ball. I know he was but he looks very solid underneath

that high ball. You have got to put it up there and compete for it.

Now it is Wigan with the upper hand. Can they create something?

They have only got a couple of tackles left here. They have 30

metres to cover. He just overcooked it. We have seen

a couple of those. O'Loughlin early in the game lets the pressure up.

There we see Williams, whose touch was not quite good enough. How

difficult is it for George Williams today? He is a hardback by

inclination. He has been playing a dummy half this year. How difficult

is it to swap positions back again? He grew up as a half back. But he's

exciting out of the dummy half position. He's not alien in the

reserve grade, he's been playing in the half. He's used to it. That was

a poor kick. What about this? Andy Lynch has made a terrific break.

What about that from Matty Bowen, who says, "You're going no further

than this, son." That's Cas' ball. What's he giving?

Got to be a Cas scrum. Yes. Going back to Williams, this is a break,

lovely break. Unfortunately, he didn't get the support. Oh, Matty

Bowen! Good luck to George Williams. The

difference is the kicking so different from acting half and first

sever. The touch on the run from first sever, it's a tougher kick, I

think. Oliver Holmes ten metres away.

It's attritional. And Luke Dorn slides in. There is a question mark

hanging over whether he has got the try or not. That's a brilliant play.

They've done it on numerous occasions and create the overlap. On

this occasion, it's a goal. Luke Dorn has been watching this, instead

of mikeshifting the passes, he's gone. Let's hear what the

adjudication is. We're looking for obstruction. That's fine. It's the

next one. That one he goes across that way. Can we just go back to

that, please? Right, this is just the one we have to look. It's the

line that he takes. Does he continue in through the gap or go across to

the left-hand side, which pretends 27 getting across that way, which

and then he comes back through that gap. That's no try. That's

obstruction. The championship side fans are not going to be happy with

this. That is one of the toughest ones

I've seen. He runs the outside shoulder, so

stops the defensive drifts. That's the first thing. That's such a tough

call. Would he have got there, I'm not sure. That's the reaction. I'm

not sure if he would have got there any way or whether he wanted to go

there. That will be interesting for the boys in studio at halftime. I

think that is a tough call. That is a tough call for the TMO as well.

My little pound of flesh would be it was the pace of Dorn that got him

over the line, not the poor decision or impedestrian yak of Hauraki. I

think he would have got there -- impediment. Stay tuned at halftime.

They'll discuss that, I'm sure. The game goes on. Wigan have made a

mistake which has given Castleford head and feed at the scrum. Five

metres inside the Wigan half. On the balance of play, Dave,

Castleford probably deserved that score. We see it here. I think

Castleford probably deserved that is in there. It's half a poor read

from Williams any way. You've got to run the inside shoulder maybe. You

can't just change your angle of running to stop him drifting. The

big talking point, no TV cameras here today, that would have been a

tryment That would have been a try. We'll get in touch with it on the

red button, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, whichever you like. I

think, at this stage, Castleford look the more threatening team. Yes.

Very creative. He's got to come into the game more,

Luke Dorn. The passing play has been very good by Castleford. They need

someone like Dorn to come in and cut the line.

This is going to be a penalty. Yes, it is. Stolen, the referee says.

Would you take two here, in light it is. Stolen, the referee says.

the closeness of the game and quality of the defences? Ten

minutes, I would. David Woods has screwed his face up here. That's his

normal face. Shenton! And into the corner goes

James Clare. Surely there's no doubt this time. Yes, there is. Oh, yes,

there is. What can there be now? Michael Shenton having a word with

the referee. What are you looking for here? Obstruction is what he's

looking for. Let's hear again. Let's have a look at this. We're looking

at the lead runner, to see where he hits the Wigan player. If he goes to

him at that point, the ball is on the far side and the Wigan player

comes out to the Castleford man. Can we look from behind the post,

please? Slow this really down. That first lead runner, where does he hit

him? That is caught on the far side and the Wigan man goes to him.

That's that one. So, that's fine. Keep that going. Can we take that

one back. Jog it back, make sure he does catch it on the outside, which

I think he does. The Wigan man goes to him. He's caught on the far side

of him. He's not run behind the man. Let's jog this on. I'm happy, that's

not obstruction. Yeah, just go to the grounding. That's a try.

Championship side fans will-this one.

They loved that one. Is there a difference between Dorn's try and

that try? Well, other than the fact that they're going different sides

of the field and different try scorers. It's very difficult. You're

asking if the defender made a play at the attacking player? I don't

think so. There is an element of confusion around this. The officials

will tell you this is what the coaches asked for. But, my

suggestion, make the referee make the judgment on the field. Only use

the video referee for the hard and fast decisions. Leave that to the

judgment of the referee. Irrespective of the cause

previously, they deserve to be in front now. They have controlled most

of the game. They deserve to be in front.

Here is Marc Sneyd. Don't adjust your sets. This really is his

kicking style. He's aiming his body at somewhere at Row Z in the stand

opposite the sticks he's kicking at. A little look over his shoulder to

make sure the sticks are still there, at risk of falling over. But

when he kicks it like that, who can argue with that style? It's amazing,

because what he effectively is doing is narrowing the angle to make a

harder kick. It's a great kick, great execution, but he makes it so

much harder for himself. It's brilliant, brilliant radar he must

have. Brilliant. Have a look at this. You don't quite get it. He

comes running right round, almost 180 degrees.

It's a proper old cup tie here today.

Tell you what, they look comfortable as well. They look very comfortable

dummy half. Good chase. They're back towards the

20-metre mark. There's a bit of controversy

building up to the try as well. Did Michael Shenton lose the ball there?

Yes, he didment And he knows it as well. He's

looking around isn't he. That was in the build up to that last try.

In the cut and thrust of a came, these things happen.

There's a hand in there from Webster. Because of that the penalty

has gone. He's complaining. Should have got his arm out. He's clearly

claiming for that. Webster saying his arm is trapped. The referee said

- get your hand out of there then. To do that, he had to pull the ball

out. You haven't seen a lot of the Wigan

half backs, have you? Dom Crosby is only 24. He's very, very tender.

He could be the danger. Wigan looking for a response P

they'll hope, it's before the halftime hooter sounds. Farrell

down-the-line side. Finn hanging on again.

Castleford' defensive line is being put to the test here.

It's taken by Manfredi. He's done really well. There was no Castleford

hand on it. It is still the same set. One more tackle to go.

The kick is straight to Luke dosh and -- Dorn and Castleford survive.

I think Anthony Gelling against Sneyd, that's the one you were

pointing out, that's one they have to isolate, the one on one.

The Challenge Cup holders are being given a real tough examination of

their determination to keep ahold of that trophy this season.

Oh, good tackle. Didn't miss. He's a good player, an Unsung Hero

in this Castleford team. He does 50 tackles a game and lays the right

line. Haven't mentioned him much, but look at his work rate.

Really tough young kid, John Bateman. Crosby getting just beyond

the halfway line. Near the try line, that could be the

area that Wigan go to. Great take! A towering presence.

Great catch. Didn't have much help from his escorting players, that's

the players coming back to protect the kicker on the catch. He just got

the ball and big relief for the Castleford team. He kept his eyes on

it. Good hit.

I think he was injured there. I thought he was through. You have to

compliment Castleford because they have curbed their instincts of the

off-load. They've been disciplined in their own half. Lynch crawled a

couple of metres here. A great kick, right in that corner. There's no way

out. Wigan struggling get players back to

play the ball here. What can Burgess do? It's been an absorbing first

half. Yeah, really good. You think Castleford have slightly the upper

hand. There's nothing between these two If you sides. Look at the body

language of the Wigan players, you'd say it was an exhausting first half,

as well. Knock-on. Last chance. This is a big

set, this is. If Cas don't get anything from this, it will be a

tremendous first half for them. A good effort from Jamie Ellis. They

stopped the clock once the scrum is formed. One minutes and 20 seconds,

which is ample time for Castleford to get a full set.

Battered forward again by Lynch. Do they think about a drop goal here?

Maybe. Farrell had hold of Millington's

hips. Skipping away... A brilliant tackle, that is. A brilliant,

brilliant tackle. Still wrestling forward. Penalty goes against

Castleford. A great tackle. Lost the ball. A super tackle from Bateman.

This is going to go wide, I think. Here come Wigan with the last play.

Burgesses offside here. He is happy to take the tackle. That is the end

of what has been a thrilling, absorbing first half for both sides,

but a very satisfying first half for Castleford. They are the side that

lead by 6-0 in what is an absolutely compelling cup tie. Here is Tanya

Arnold on the touchline. Michael Shenton, has the first half gone the

way you wanted it? It is a low scoring game, all about defence. We

will keep doing what we're doing. Disappointed you are not further

ahead? Not so much. We have just got to get on with it. Cheers, Michael.

Michael Shenton off down the tunnel. He said it has been a battle, only

six points scored in the first half. 46 points were scored in the first

of another Wigan match. Castleford dominate possession, head on

territory as well, and Wigan's said completion is only just over 50%.

They have made seven errors to Castleford's six. You can get in

touch with others, on social media, on Facebook, on Twitter. Describe

the game in four words and we will read them out for you. Michael

Shenton, Jon Wilkin said that was exactly how they thought that was

going to go. It went the way that everybody predicted it would go,

with the conditions and the two size playing today, it was a tight game.

Castleford will be pleased with their format clean breaks -- format

clean breaks. Wigan have really struggled to get anything going.

They have had in Kent and energy, but the majority by too many errors.

They have had in Kent and energy, Castleford really dominated that

offer. Wigan ran out of form against whose field last week and they have

continued that. They had forced errors, people dropping balls and

kicking balls straight into touch. Castleford have been fantastic. An

absorbing game, I have really enjoyed this half. Form and energy

are linked. Once you've run out of form, you run out of energy, effort

and enthusiasm. Wigan are close to producing a poor performance here. I

always think that a team coached by Shaun Wane will always have a lot of

energy and commitment, but they are down on skill at the moment. Lots of

traffic on social down on skill at the moment. Lots of

obstruction. One says, the obstruction. One says, the

Talk this through why one of these was a try and one wasn't. In the

first instance, what was a try and one wasn't. In the

here is the player that we saw before the game, we highlighted

Castleford playing. Then we have another player running to stop the

third offender in from making a good decision. In

third offender in from making a good Smith, the third defender, makes a

great defensive decision. He is punished for making a good defensive

decision with a tackle. If Matty Smith had paused and made contact

with the Smith had paused and made contact

him, he would have been pulled back for obstruction, and that is what is

wrong about it. And this one, if we go back, Hauraki runs in the same

direction as the defender, as it goes in here. The number 12 needs to

come back in. Then there is no obstruction there. It is right to be

no try, that. It makes it an easy decision for the referee to give.

But the driver was given, Matty Smith did fantastically well. This

is not a black and white rule. It has more shades of grey than my

hair! There are that many different occasions that you can apply it, it

is hard to judge. The spectators, people at home, ourselves, we are

all confused by this rule, because all of a sudden... These kinds of

things are being coached every day. Should you enforce this to the

letter of the law, 90% of Rugby League players would be pulled up

for obstruction. If that is the way we want to go, fine, let's get

everyone around the table and say, this is obstruction and let's

eradicated from the game. It confuses people like yourself, quite

clearly! Yes! In order to try to simplify it for me so I am less

confused, take us through some more examples. I will continue first.

That is a definite obstruction there. It is a bit slower. But as

you can see, everything is different. It is not an obstruction

because Anthony Gelling made the decision to come in and tackle the

player in front of him. The difference is when the defender does

not have the option to tackle the guy. He is forced to. Again, this

would have been play on. Six weeks ago, that would have been play on.

They have clamped down in the middle of the year. Weller Hauraki, if he

had stayed square and cut back on the inside shoulder... And without

the replay, that would have been a try.

This must also be confusing you, the players, mustn't it? And the

coaches. Because if you are being coached to do moves in a certain way

and yet all of a sudden the referees or whoever is in charge are deciding

to enforce the obstruction will, that creates confusion everywhere.

Yes. What it allows the defence to do is take an easy option and,

knowing on a TV game, if you touch an attacking player coming near you,

when it goes to the video referee, you know it is going to come back.

That places the fluidity of a game or the result of an attacking play

in the hands of a defender who is making a poor decision. It is not in

the spirit of the game, for me. It is cheating, using technology to

cheat. If you have been beaten by good play, hold your hands up and

get on with it. Do not try to get an obstruction. We have another

defeat, oh, dear, this obstruction rule is bad. If you can't play the

game properly at the moment. A bad call on the first try. It needs

addressing quickly. Let's get onto some of the other aspects of the

game and how we can have targeted Huby, something we spoke about at

the start. We highlighted him as an indicator for Castleford, but also

you can see how many defenders are coming in from Wigan, because Shaun

Wane highlighted him earlier in the week. We have McIlorum communion,

because he knows that it is danger when he carries the ball. Wigan have

had intent. They have just not had execution. With execution alongside

intent, Wigan could have a better second half. I think the problem

with the errors is that they have been enforced. When you are passing

balls close to the line, but some of these have been awful errors. Matty

Smith there, a tough kick because he is under pressure. O'Loughlin is not

used to taking as much kicking responsibility. But now he has to

do. A sloppy piece of play. I have been in this position before as a

player, when your team are out of form a player, when your team are

out of form anew by trying to put it right, but things just do not go

right. People getting your way and get frustrated.

They did not think that was a penalty at the time. Too many

errors. You can handle several, but wouldn't have made many today,

seven. Relative to Castleford, it is only one more, but relative to

Wigan, it is a huge amount. Castleford's have been down the

other end of the pitch. We can's have been all over the park. --

Wigan's has been all over the park. It is easy to say, when you don't

play the game, just click at the errors and you will have a better

second half, but you must have been in situations where it spreads

throughout 18? Yes, it can almost be like a virus. But the leaders need

to come out and be like a virus. But the leaders need

are always three or four Mac leaders in a team, and they can be

confident, these other guys will put confidence throughout the team, not

errors. Liam Finn will be important for Castleford, controlling the game

and kicking the ball into the corners. It will be crucial in the

second half. Whoever makes the least amount of errors in the second half

will go on to win the game. And in wet weather, six point more like 12.

Points are at a premium. I think that Castleford are doing very well

at the moment. What about Marc Sneyd? We highlighted his kicking

before the game, and he kicked a fantastic goal as well. I think they

have consciously targeted Wigan's right of Castleford. The kicking

game, it has got great variation. It is a huge asset to having your,

kicking. Never a charge-down for me, this one. But he did drop the ball

anyway, so it would not have been a try. Again, attacking the right-hand

side. Accurate kicking games League two wins -- lead to wins.

Charge-down? You are having a laugh, says Gavin Brown. Funniest looking

charge-down I have ever seen, says Mark Prendergast. Keep your tweets

coming. The second half is on the way shortly. Now, let's relive one

We can's 28-24 win at Wembley in of our Challenge Cup memories.

We can's 28-24 win at Wembley in 1985 was an absolute classic. --

Wigan's 28-24 win. It was a magnificent day of football,

including one of the greatest overseas players. John Ferguson, the

Wigan win who grabbed a try. was the battle between Brett Kenny

and Peter Sterling. Can he make it all the way? C is

going down. There he goes. A superb try from Kenny. It was all Wigan in

that first half. He has got the strength and speed!

He's going to try. Wigan what in -- Wigan were in complete command until

this try. And then a further three tries

Wigan have the 4-point advantage and whole

Wigan have the 4-point advantage and that was how it remained in the

final seconds. what's coming your way: Tomorrow, we

have the final quarter final from 3pm on BBC Two.

The Canadian Grand Prix is on BBC One from 5pm. February Queen's gets

under way on Monday at 1pm on BBC Two. Of course, this time next week,

we'll be in the thick of World Cup action. Gary Lineker will be in

Brazil with his documentary The Beautiful Game, 10. 35pm, BBC One.

Let's go down to the touchline. Both sides are coming back out.

I've got sides are coming back out.

half, but he's not. Justin Carney, how did you see that first half? It

was a great first half. Being a spectator, but it would have been

great to be out there What are playing. You expecting Wigan to

throw at you guys? I think they're just going to play the Wigan way and

be tough and get in the grind with us. We just have to hang in there

and it will be a tough challenge for the boys. Try not to get too nervous

watching the second half. I'm more nervous today than I've ever been!

Enjoy it. Matty Bowen gets this second half

under way with a kick that is perilously close to the touch line.

All set fair for what should be a terrific second half here, Wigan 0,

Castleford 6. So little in it. Who wins it from

here? It's a fantastic opportunity for Castleford. But I think we can

just see that the weather has cleared a little bit. It's not

raining as heavy as it was. Wow, it's been close and a great game.

The conditions won't change because it's been, it's very, very wet. The

quicking game will be vitally important. It will be interesting to

see what Wigan do. Cas look more comfortable, more threatening. Wigan

have to step up a bit, cut their mistakes out. They have to change

and bring their half backs into it, definitely attack the other half

backs, especially Sneyd with -- with Gelling. Another of those

nine in the training squad with England. What an impact he's been

making this season. It's interesting that first set that Michael McIlorum

rushed out of dummy half and put pressure on the kicker. It brought

the result that we're seeing, Wigan in the right part of the field.

Matty Bowen catches the ball and transfers the ball down field.

That's the one. That is the one. They

He's going to be caught in possession, is he? The ball has gone

to ground. And Castleford have it again.

Great play, that is. Desperation to get there.

Shenton takes it on. A little bit of disappointment on Shawn's face

there. Building pressure will be important this second half.

Bowen underneeng it, solid -- underneath it, solid again. Tanya,

what news at halftime from the two camps? Daryl Powell very happy with

his side, telling them to keep up the focus and pressure. He says they

must improve their kicking game that. Will put pressure on Wigan in

all areas. Shaun Wane not happy. Completion rate isn't good enough.

They're not winning the arm wrestle. We must dominate far better.

Penalty. Matty Smith will find touch and puts

Wigan, well, less than 30 metres away from that Castleford line.

McIlorum picks it up here. It's on. Farrell, misses. Burgess can't keep

hold. The line was at his mercy. Again, it's that cut-out pass. Why

do you need that there? Hay quick play of the ball. A good run by

Bateman. I think he's trying to promote the ball as quickly as he

can. It becomes a two on one, rather than three on two, to give the

winger the chance to get into the corner with inside defence coming

on. Hard to be too critical there. I agree, but they did create the

overlap. In a game this tight, you have to finish them.

That's gone to ground. Penalty.

Interesting chat with a senior referee this week about how much

guess work goes on in situations like this. He said it's all about

averages, it's the body position of players, as to when it's been lost

or stolen. You have to come control of that ball. You can't go in there

with a flimsy hold onto it. He didn't do anything, he just fell on

it. Castleford with a chance to clear

their lines and get back inside this Wigan half again here.

Wigan's defence has to be polished. Dorn with a bit of pace here. Oh,

Shenton to Sneyd but he went forward. Blew it! Absolutely blew

it. They had ripped Wigan wide-open. They were flying through the

defence. That's what they've got to do. They have to use Luke Dorn. He

has tremendous pace. He goes on the outside. Composure, bad pass. That

is a poor pass by Luke Dorn. It's got to be in the bread basket. It's

got to be in front of the man. Slightly overrun a little bit.

got to be in front of the man. Again, an opportunity missed by

Wigan. He thinks so as well. You go 12-0 up, right? It's a big score to

pull back. Especially the way they're defending.

Wigan survive. Bateman challenging the defenders.

Getting a penalty. I just harken back to Daryl Powell's words about

taking opportunities in close games like this. Now they're back

taking opportunities in close games own try line and Wigan have the

taking opportunities in close games opportunity. It's going to be a

12-pointer. There's a roar going up round the stadium from the Wigan

supporters. Wigan roll forward again here.

Good defence. Back it comes down the middle again.

Castleford are on their own line here with tackles to go and again,

it's a poor pass. Dixon can't keep hold of it. Neither can Burgess. The

referee is going to give head and feet to Wigan here. No, Cas. I have

no idea what happened there. Not sure, I think he's saying.

Ellis has been on the field quite a while now. They're saving Clark up,

is this part of the plan and he finishes the game? Clark is not

injured. Are they going to bring him on and close the game out?

It's a poor, poor kick We've seen again. A few today. What that does

is give Wigan terrific advantage here. They get possession back, 30

from the Castleford line and a real lift. A side that thought it was

going to be defending further down field is now defending. He went for

going to be defending further down the 40-20 there. He gave it

everything and just slice today. He got the 40-20, just the bounce in

between was the problem. Farrell doesn't know where he's

going here. Tries to go forward. Farrell doesn't know where he's

it halts, temporarily. Bowen waits again.

What do Wigan do here? Do they look to keep the pressure on Bowen? It

hits the to keep the pressure on Bowen? It

player. Wigan will take it. Castleford get the handover. I think

Matty Bowen has to attack out wider. Very comfortable Cas at the moment.

Big effort required. Wigan desperate to keep Castleford limited.

Castleford desperate to escape the clutches, the shackles being put on

them in this second half. Again, looking for the gap between

the fullback and winger. Make the most of it here.

In the first half, when we saw Castleford have three, four, five

sets, the ascendency in the right part of the field. That's where I

sense Wigan are going to now. Good play of the ball.

Bateman battering in. They've slowed that down, the

Castleford defenders. The defence has worked very well for

Cas. They have struggled out wide. The final tackle. That's rushed.

It's poor. Dixon. Oh, if he got Great tack away. Le. Had to be made.

Great tackle that is. He was away. Here comes Dixon with a second

opportunity. The outstretched arms of Burgess track him down. Look how

many yards Castleford have chewed up in this set already. There's still

more to come. He's in. ( in this set already. There's still

Manfredi. That's a fantastic set for Castleford.

Again, it was a poor kick from Wigan, which give Castleford the

momentum and look where they've Wigan, which give Castleford the

ended up. Great set. Great football from Castleford prepared to move the

ball down the short side first, then coming back towards the middle.

You're right it's on the back of two poor kicks that they're getting the

advantage. That's all it is. The difference here could be Dorn or

Bowen. Those two players. Well, there's a noise around this stadium

now from both sets of supporters. It's a great cup match. An important

spell of the game here. Mariano is immense with his balance falls. --

gallant fall. That is the worst pass we have seen all day! I think he

made the right play, it was just the execution. A good thing that

Castleford through that blind, because they had the numbers. He

knows. He is smart enough. What are you saying down on the

touchline? The opening 30 minutes of the second half has been relentless

-- 13 minutes. Now some of the players have drifted back to the

bench. We had full set of Serbs on the sidelines, trying to get onto

the pitch themselves. It is not that from appear. But

still, 6-0 to Castleford. Here comes a kick from Matty Smith.

Spinning end over end, goes up underneath in. He has lost it. It is

knocked forward. We didn't get the result. Every geeky but in the air

you should be able to compete for and that's the result you get. --

every kick you put-in the air. Great pressure from Matty Bowen. He

probably saw him in his eyeliner. A chance for Wigan. Ten metres out.

Five more titles for Castleford to complete, five more opportunities

for Wigan to attack. Definitely building the pressure.

He drives it over, but I do not think he has got it down, but he has

got a penalty. All steel over the line -- ball steel.

He had to get underneath him, didn't he? Yes. He wants to play it

quickly. Very nearly a captain's knock.

McIlorum from dummy half. Here it comes back to Matty Smith, some

depth on it now. Oliver Holmes is always it -- all over it. Here comes

Bateman. They have gone through five tackles again here, Wigan. It is

going down the right side! Not quite! I thought he was in. I

thought he was in as well. He is not going to get closer and not score.

But he did not quite get close enough. Castleford's defence.

Wigan want to keep Castleford as close as they can.

Castleford the ball in hand, but Wigan's

defence will not let this opportunity slip easily. In the last

five minutes, Sean O'Loughlin has stepped up.

He will bring this back with interest and label start another

offensive set. They are nearly in the Castleford half, so relentless

pressure from within in the second half. -- from Wigan.

Missing a little bit of match fitness. This is good from

Sarginson. It is kicked away by Williams. Oliver Holmes. A try

saving tackle. They have to go left, they have to score. Out it goes.

I thought there was a deflection there, slowing the ball down.

Five tackles gone. Last play again. Smith with a kick to the corner. It

is clear that... Brilliant from both teams,

excitement, kicking, catching, six Brilliant from both teams,

more plays. Castleford are being tested to the max here. Great play

by James Clare, because you think that Anthony Gelling has got the

jump on him. Great defence again by Oliver Holmes, great play by both

sides. What a great game. Oliver Holmes, great play by both

half. And Marc Sneyd's goal. That is all that separates. A

half. And Marc Sneyd's goal. That is towards the touchline, but those

with well enough by Dominic Manfredi. There are so many in this

Wigan line-up he can make a claim. James Clare has made a good recovery

there. Hold your breath. This is a terrific game. 60 minutes played,

just under. Wigan are dominating the second half. 75% territory.

20 minutes to go. It is still anybody's cup tie.

Not sure what that kick is all about. I think it is Matty Smith

underneath there who has got it back for Wigan again. Some desperation on

both sides there. At least Castleford are further down the

field. A bit of respite for Castleford. There is a bit of

bunching in the middle of the field here from within. A bit tight.

Balance of probabilities. He had given it as a steal. Yes, a steal.

Good call. We can come again -- Wigan come again.

Matty Smith bring on with intent, but shot down. Anthony Gelling

shuffles into dummy half quickly. A curtain of defenders that keeps

closing. There are still a couple of tackles to go here again. Here is

Matty Smith once more. Farrell Winslet! They finally find a

weakness in the Castleford line. Wigan are right back in the cup tie

against. Relentless pressure. A good finish from Liam Farrell.

Magnificent defensive effort, Castleford. But something had to

give. Here is the first penalty that gets him into the field position.

Sean O'Loughlin is making increasing presence in this game, and here is

the ball. A great catch at the line. I think it is Webster and Liam

Finn, Liam Farrell spins around. He gets through. A great catch in the

first place, and a result of all the pressure that Wigan have had in this

second half. Good upper body effort there from Liam Finn. A game of fine

lines, this one. Farrell's involvement there was vital, but how

big a moment is this for Matty Smith? Wigan are still behind.

Castleford still have a slight advantage. The boot of Matty Smith

could draw them level again here, Wigan. A huge kick. In the context

of this cup tie, and he has put it wide. He has pushed it wide. And so

Wigan are still behind. Castleford are still hanging on. Here is the

play again, brilliant play from Sean O'Loughlin, a ball, keeps his feet

moving. He gets the ball over the line, and that is what it means to

be Wigan coaching staff. A tired attempt for a conversion

from Matty Smith. That was what you would have thought he would have

got. Daryl Clark is back on here. 60 minutes of the cup tie remaining. An

absolute cracker Jack. Yes, a brilliant game. They need

possession, they need field position now, Castleford. I do not think they

have kicked the ball as well in this half.

McIlorum might have been looking for a penalty there, but he's not going

to get it. Some tired bodies out there. It is

Castleford's turn to limp back. 15 minutes left to play. He was going

to win this? It is going to be very interesting, purely because, when

you get tired, concentration goes, wrong decisions are made.

Castleford were involved in a hard raking cup tie in a semifinal couple

of years ago, against Leeds. Kevin Sinfield's boot taught the heart out

of them. One or two matka in this team today and will remember that

day. When they get tired like this, it

becomes about discipline and not giving away penalties.

I've got Josh Charnley with me. What do Wigan have to do to win this? We

need a bit more energy around the rook. Castleford have a lot of

energy. They come to our ground with a bit of confidence much we need to

step it up a bit and have a bit more conviction. Where are you

injury-wise? I've had a full week training with the boys. Get back

playing and match Disappointed not fit. To be out there? Yeah, it's one

of those games, you want to do something but you can't. You have to

sit there and watch it. Two sides this year who have proved

their pedigree, week in, week in the Super League.

They're doing it again here in the cup.

It's been relentless this second half from Wigan. They've really been

patient and hoping that one of the Castleford players cracks and a few

hands on knees in the yellow jumpers out there. Cas have to find energy

somewhere. That's a relieving penalty for them.

I think it's a relief for everyone. Everyone can get some air back in

their lungs here. It's a nervous Castleford back-room

staff. Daryl Powell their coach. Equally the Wigan camp and

staff. Daryl Powell their coach. Wane. Not too far away from each

other, looking down. They're looking for a good end to

the set here, Castleford. What a pass! What about that try!

might be a match winner. Kirk Dixon is in. But the

might be a match winner. Kirk Dixon pass from Webster. He's injured

might be a match winner. Kirk Dixon well, Webster. It needed a

might be a match winner. Kirk Dixon brilliance, a bit of magic. They've

been under the cosh. Miracle pass. Great take. A brilliant try. How

important will that conversion be, the missed conversion? This is a big

conversion now. Here's the penalty that gives Castleford field

position. They haven't had any. They get their field position and get to

the right end of the field. This is brilliant. Dorn and Webster at the

end of this. The pace of Dorn gives Webster a running chance. ' Tracts

the winger, Manfredi. Dixon just has to finish, a fair catch from Dixon.

Brilliant catch. Drawn in a split second. This is it. Goes in, takes

two. Great pass. Great take. Good finish. That's a big score.

Absolutely massive. As Jonathan was saying, this kick now is potentially

the moment. We've mentioned his unusual kicking style. This is the

right side of the field for him. So the angle will be a lot better

for him to just curl it in. Big kick. Right from the touchline, if

he puts this over, the scoreline at the moment, 10-4, so a try and a

goal for Wigan would put them level. If Marc Sneyd puts this over, then

Wigan would have to score twice. He's not being rude turning his back

on the sticks, it's his style. No. Not this time.? It's still a

six-point game. Try and a goal puts Wigan level. Great hands. The front

rowers again, Huby releasing. Watch this right hand, flick pass. Had to

be caught by Dixon. That's a good take.

Here we go, last ten minutes of the game. Last nine minutes of the game.

How does it unfold from here. Jamie, have you got any clues? I think this

last ten minutes, we going to see if Castleford are the real deal. I was

questioning earlier before they scored, can they beat these top-four

teams when it really matters? That try seems to have answered it. They

need the belief now to get on to the semifinals. It will be an

interesting last ten If Wigan minutes. Get six points and no more,

we would be into golden point, extra time.

They are getting a bit of purchase now.

Burgess underneath it, catches it, safely enough.

They're at the right end of the field. They'll be concentrating on

their defence and discipline, as we mentioned earlier. It's Wigan's

challenge to get to the other end of the field. They're chasing the game

now, Wigan. The clock's against them. The last time Wigan lost the

cup tie at home was in 1986, when Castleford beat them 10-2.

28 years later, and Castleford are winning by 10-4.

It's a little bit of history, about to repeat itself. Or can Wigan go

back to the well and find a way back into this contest? They had the

chance there to give it. Dorn has taken it very well. Great

catch. Return it's with interest. They get a penalty. That's what they

want. When Cas won in '86, they went all

the way to Wembley that year. They're in the semifinals, still a

massive if, if they win here today. ( Wigan, the cup holders, will not

let it go lightly. Field goal is on as well. If nothing

comes in the last tackle. Drop goal. The kicking essential.

Never got it off the ground. It was a drop-goal attempt chance. Was it

too rushed? I think it was. Didn't set himself up. Needed a

right-footed kicker there. He had plenty of time.

They need to get it to the other side of the They're cape field.

Able. Sneyd marshalling his troops from

dummy half here. They're not risking much here. We're

all nervous on the gantry for them and for Wigan. Both good teams.

They've played really well. Oh, he's gone through! The chip over

the top. Farrell, all he can do is diffuse it and put it behind.

There's an injury. A clash of heads. They believe at the moment. The

question is, do Wigan believe they can get back in it?

It's Castleford head and feet here, I think? Yes. Wigan rushing because

they want to stop the clock. They need as much time as possible.

That's the reason why. The decided it was a knock-on. Yes, knock-on

from Burgess. Castleford are happy to have

breather here, reddying themselves up for six more

line. One score away from confirmation of

glory. Wigan are hanging on here. They're desperate not to let that

Challenge Cup slip away from their grasp.

Cas are going to take some stopping now.

He's over to win it. He only lives a couple of miles up the road but he's

Pennines, with a try couple of miles up the road but he's

Castleford a place in the semifinals.

Like a boxer on the ropes much they were under the cosh for most of the

second half. They have come back, two

second half. They have come back, They're going to the semifinal of

second half. They have come back, the Challenge Cup. Here's the

knock-on from Burgess that gave them the field

knock-on from Burgess that gave them worried about a drop goal. Williams

steps out on the line there. Jewitt picks the ball and says, "I'm over!"

He is, he's over. What a score. We're going to Wembley.

He is, he's over. What a score. That's the chant from those

Castleford fans. It has been an extraordinary year for Daryl Powell

and his side. They've been ripping up the form book in the Super League

on a consistent basis, now they have come to the cup holders and snatched

their place in the Challenge Cup semifinals. They're doing it the

hard way, but semifinals. They're doing it the

wonderfully well. They've not seen days like these for

an awful long time, those Castleford fans.

Jamie Peacock posed the question: Are Cas the real deal? They are now.

They've answered the question. They've answered Jamie's questions,

the pundits' questions. They've done it tough for 30 minutes of this

second half. They have. On a joint track as well, they're going to be,

you know, even tougher to beat. Lee Jewitt very much the local hero,

but not for the local team. Great dummy, wasn't it? Threw it out

there. There is a bit of terrific sportsmanship. Good to see Shaun

Wane shaking hands there. It has gone to ground. It has kept

on. It is game over for sure. Castleford

think so. I am not sure they are going to get

the scrum down. Michael Shenton is having a word with the referee.

There is Daryl Powell. What a fantastic year, a fantastic season

he is having. Daryl Powell must be right up there

in Iraq and in off the coaches -- in the reckoning of the coaches. A

great effort. Little things, the magic pass under the back.

Castleford certainly deserve it. Let's here from Daryl Powell, the

winning coach. You have had some great days in the

game. Where does this rate? And unbelievable effort in the second

half. I thought we were by far the better team in the first half, but

you do what we did in the second half was unbelievable. A fantastic

effort from the boys. We were told beforehand there would not be many

points. Tough conditions for a large part of the game, so it was ethical

to control the ball. Our attacking play was superb. Overall, I am so

delighted with the players and their effort. What could this win do for

you for the rest of this season? We are a genuine team. It is more

belief in the players and recognising who we are. If we

continue to perform with that effort and the ability we have in the team,

who knows? We want to be challenging for things, and we will keep our

feet on the ground and keep doing the job. Well done. The man of the

match, Oliver Holmes, congratulations. Daryl Powell was

saying it was the defence that would hit. We are really proud of

ourselves. We said it would be a tough gig at Wigan. Where is the

confidence and be self belief coming from in this team? Just the fact

that we play in front of each other. We are a tighten its grip. We work

hard for each other and that is where the confidence comes from.

Many congratulations. Luke Dorn, what was your game like? Incredible.

We knew it would be tough, especially against the champions at

Wigan. But the boys were outstanding. How much will this ruck

the rugby world? I don't know about ruck the world, but it will give us

a boost. We are happy that we have won this game. Our coach is very

passionate about what he believes in, Rugby League, and that flows

through the team. He has been great for our group and we owe a lot to

him. Enjoy the celebrations. Thank you very much. Shaun Wane,

commiserations. What was the difference between the two sites

today? They completed their sets better. They were the better team.

We were beaten by the better team, no doubt about that. They deserve to

be in their fight -- the semifinals and we don't. We should be

completing sets better. We have given ourselves a lot to do. We

could have been better in the first half. But I don't want to take

anything away from them. They controlled the rug speed very well

-- the rocks speed very well. That is what you get when you play

Castleford. The best team won. They did what they needed to do.

Castleford fans are going to stay there and celebrate. Their players

at the moment are having a celebratory photographs in front of

those fans, and I would imagine that will dominate the media in Yorkshire

over the next few days. Jamie Peacock, as Shaun Wane said, they

deserved it and they were the better side. Castleford's defence was

awesome. It was inspiring watching them defend and the commitment they

showed. It allowed them to go on and win. That was

showed. It allowed them to go on and Oliver Holmes tackle. Every right to

score. No reason to make that defensive play, but he went back and

he did. It is all effort and commitment to each other. These are

the things that inform team spirit. This is why Castleford's has a

strong team spirit. You have to dip into that reserve you didn't know

you had, find that desire and find special play to help your team out.

Oliver Holmes are certainly did that. We spoke about bigger and

verve. You sense that as a coach in the opposition sometimes? That your

opponents have got more energy? Wigan came back well in the second

half, and the energy that Castleford showed when they had no right to

have that energy, it is that teams are at an camaraderie for each other

that brings it out, you see that within a team. You see that extra

effort. You think, if he is doing it, I have to do it and stand up to

the plate as well. Yes, it is infectious. You cannot underestimate

what the errors in the first half cost Wigan in terms of energy. You

have to credit Castleford with keeping them out in a 20 minute

spell where they were penned in their own half. They got out of that

half, and that is the sign of a great site. It looks like Shaun Wane

is going to gather his thoughts before he speaks to his players.

How special weather moments with the fans at the end? Fantastic. That is

what you play the Game four. I am thankful that we came out the back

end of it. Talkers through that try. It was pretty skilful. Quite a

good catch, because that was a difficult one to date. I put some

live on my hands before the game because of the conditions. A

fantastic game and I am glad we have come through all right. You have

been at this club 40 years. What is the difference this year? As soon as

Daryl Powell came in, he took it away and stick this together. He has

got that unity and he has got everyone singing off the same hymn

sheet. I hope we everyone singing off the same hymn

proud. If you could pick somebody in the semifinals, he would you pick? I

don't No. Anybody is the semifinals, he would you pick? I

tough, or fantastic teams. We are just happy to be in the draw fire

stop. This was his try. They were lacking

the pace on the ball. The lack of pressure allows the attacking player

to get to where he wants to. It pulls Sarginson in, you pinch is in

and has to check that defender. You have to give Jake

and has to check that defender. You credit here, because

and has to check that defender. You be attracted because of the quality

of his run. be attracted because of the quality

here. Dixon is massively be attracted because of the quality

behind your back. And skirting down the touchline like that. Quality

Centre played to a quality catch by a great winger. We were up one hour

feet appear because of the skill that we saw. He had his jaw broken

earlier. Some payback, and some! A fabulous finish. The concentration

and attention to detail that takes from Webster. We would like to speak

about the three front rows, Millington, Lynch and Huby were

fantastic. My position, to earn respect, you have to play tough, and

you have to be able to play. They did that. They have been good all

year for Castleford, those three. And if you are talking tough in

general, delicately handling for the try their, but their defence, the

first 20 minutes in that second half, we stood over the try-line

here, they were so strong. half, we stood over the try-line

but underneath Sean O'Loughlin there and had to make the play at the

ball. Inches from the line, and look at the scramble from Jamie Ellis,

and then Mariano getting off his backside and defending the same. --

defending the line. Millington the same. When you care about your

team-mates, you go out of your way to do that little bit extra. The

defence was impressive, but what was more impressive was how they

counterpunch to. They got out of their half following this period of

pressure. That is so difficult to do. When it feels like your lungs

are exploding, you cannot get out of your own half, but that is what they

did. This is what world-class sides do! Sing songs like this. The table

has gone. They are celebrating so much that the table has gone. The

trestle table has fallen over. While they continue to celebrate, let's

look at the Lee Jewitt is tried, the icing on the cake for Castleford.

The main threat here is the ball. The Wigan players are all charging.

You can't score unless you have got the ball. One of your team-mates

scored a similar try last night. That is two lapses by two teams, but

a great try for Lee Jewitt. The threat is where the ball is. The

discussion will continue on the red button. You can get involved on

Twitter or on Facebook. We will see you tomorrow as well on BBC Two when

we will be at the Bradford Wigan -- Warrington game. The players were on

their horns that the end. A successful club, and they knew they

were in for a tough game, but they would not have wanted that was Zol.

Full credit Castleford, they defended magnificently. Castleford

were the deserving winners. It will hurt Wigan, but they will have to

bounce back. Thank you to all of you here on BBC One. We will see you

here on BBC Two tomorrow. Join us on the red button or on Twitter.

Castleford one step closer to Wembley. We will see you tomorrow.

Goodbye.