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

COMMENTATOR: Only 36,000 population, Castleford, and many have travelled

down here. Those people back in Castleford will be dancing in the

streets. Beautiful play, that's a try. What a

player. My word, one of the great tries here at Wembley. And there is

Shaun Edwards. Surely no one will touch him, Offiah. It is over.

Tomkins junior and senior. Cherry and white, blossoming again.

Welcome to the DW Stadium. Wigan love the cup but if they had a bogey

team in this competition it is Castleford, the Tigers winning here

three times in the Challenge Cup since 1982. They are the only team

to have done that and Daryl Powell's current team like the cup or so,

they were finalists Kos years ago. Joining us, Acton since, Robbie

Thunderball. Please do your old club is still up

for the cup? Yesterday was really intense. Widnes came here to play

yesterday but we got it in the end which was great to see. With the

scores tied, you got the penalty, watching from the stands were you

confident it was a penalty? At first I wasn't, I had to look up at the

screen. Paul Cahill -- poor old Cahill, he did what the good players

should do, he died on the ball but unfortunately it was a penalty. He

has done it two weeks in a row. He has been a great asset to the team.

He has pulled us out of the fire two weeks in a row. We will talk about

him later, it was fascinating to listen to him wearing a microphone.

The Castleford fans have come here with expectation. Castleford as a

club are having a real renaissance. They will be expecting a lot of

their team because the quality of players they have, the style of

rugby league that Daryl Powell has them playing makes them very

entertaining and they know that they can pull out the big games. Looking

at Wigan, they are second in Super League but there by their own

admission they haven't played well yet this season. Shaun Wane saying

that they haven't played well today and the table doesn't lie. They are

getting players back, they've had a crop of injuries, everyone is coming

back now. I think he is disappointed with the stop start nature of their

wins, they don't play well for long periods and he's looking forward to

a time when they can play well for the full 80 minutes. The third of

the quarterfinals took place at the KC Stadium with top of the table

Hull FC taking on Catalan, who got off to a good start. Wonderful

start, everyone has tipped them to the cup. It is the boy, Stewart,

coming up with the kick for Garcia, what a way to start, 4-0, Catalan.

This Hull FC team, they are peoples favourites to maybe when both

trophies. There was the kick from Sneyd. Speculative try, Michaels,

getting the home team back. Watch out, Frank the tank Prichard, he was

brought over just to do that. Change the momentum. Scott Taylor is having

a great season. Just brushing off the Catalan defenders. Many people's

tip for the England hooker, Danny Houghton, finishing it off. Catalan

are still trying to get themselves into it. Your heart -- Yaha scoring

the try in the corner. This Hull FC team, they are very strong. They won

come to be in the end. Three teams already through to the semifinals,

Wakefield beating Huddersfield on Thursday and we saw Warrington

beating Widnes yesterday. Will it be Wigan or Castleford joining them in

the semifinal draw? We will have that at the conclusion of today's

game. The two coaches have been talking to Damien Johnson.

Luke Gale plays, he wasn't fit, he is fit now, a bit of mind games

going on or are you taking a gamble? We thought he would be fit last week

and he dropped out and similar this week to be honest. Looked like he

wasn't going to make it and then he has, so it is a big boost for us.

But the important player so it's great to have him back in the side.

We aren't playing very well to be honest but we have shown a lot of

desire and passion. We are grounding out the wins, not playing at our

best but today we need to turn up against a very competent Castleford

team. How much encouragement from that famous victory a couple of

years ago in the Challenge Cup? History is on our side but I don't

know how much it is going to count today in the Challenge Cup

quarterfinal. Castleford, winning in 2014, and outstanding performance

from us and it's going to take something similar, we know how good

Wigan can be. But we can do it, we are capable of beating anybody

anywhere, so it's just about performance. If we get it right, we

can beat anybody. It's a really big injury that Sam Tomkins had, how

good is it to see him playing? It is brilliant for the Super League, we

want our best players, we want the star to be showing their progress.

It has been a difficult injury, he was rested on the plastic pitch last

week so there is still a bit of rehabilitation. I think he is slowly

getting back to the kind of form we saw when he left Super League two go

to the NRL with the Warriors. For many of our viewers, the last time

they saw him in this country was 2013 in the Challenge Cup. He was a

very spectacular player. Do you think you can get back to that

level? Certainly, the form he has shown so far in his couple of games

back, scary to think he can get even better. Wigan need him to be good

today because I think Luke Dorn is going to be a big test for him. How

important to have a character like Sam? I've been talking to Robbie, he

is such a competitive guy. The injury has slowed him down a little

bit but he's going to get better every week and as an opponent,

that's a scary thing. You know him well. Using a very important word,

competitive. He was a junior at Wigan and he was the most

competitive person on the planet and your best players are the most

competitive people. When you have an element of doubt with your injury,

it can curtail that aggression and competitiveness. You can see him

pushing and prodding people when he is at the top and in recent weeks we

have seen that aggression coming back, his will to win, he wants to

win everything he does. You can't teach that, can you? Definitely. He

will be a key man for Wigan but he will have to keep an eye on the key

man for Castleford, the winger, Solomona. His statistics have been

phenomenal. COMMENTATOR: Denny Solomona with a

terrific try. Feast your eyes on the Denny Solomona. He doesn't miss

opportunities like that, does he? He's a try scoring machine. Oh,

that's a wonderful take from Solomona.

Denny Solomona has scored from a distance. Denny Solomona. From one

talented player to a group of talented players.

Unlike the way you can see Daryl Powell here, I like the way he gets

forwards playing. They like to play aggressively, you have McMeeken

there, Millington, these guys like promoting the ball when they get it

in their hands. I want you to watch this big guy here, Moors, very

difficult when he has the ball in his hands, causing the defence a lot

of problems. The man warning up with him, Luke Gale, Pete didn't get on

the field last year but he is a management is amazing that smack

warming up with him, he didn't get on the field.

Just going to see if I can talk to Denny Solomona. I think we prepared

well, the boys came into the game well prepared and I think we've got

a big job ahead of us. The highest try scorer in the Super League, can

you get over the line today? I hope so, if I do my job right and the

boys do, there are points to be taken. All the very best.

How difficult is he to stop? One of the best finishers in Super League

and in the world. We were talking about how he changes hands, he knows

where he is going to dive, you can't teach that. How do you see him

developing under the coaching of Daryl Powell? With his budget he has

a couple of people from London, he is developing, the things he is

doing is attracting attention. He loves it at Castleford. Some

pressure to Webster, giving him the space to do the kind of fabulous

stuff we see him doing. Very exciting to watch. He is only 22 but

Wigan have put faith in youth themselves, no more so than a young

George Williams. COMMENTATOR: Going to step, George

Williams. And he gets over the line. The running game, one of my main

attributes in the game. If I'm running well, in slow from that, my

passing game becomes easier, my kicking game. If I'm running, I feel

more confident in myself. I always believed in myself but some of the

things that came up, the young Player of the Year, playing for

England, I was blown away by it and it was a massive roller-coaster. I

started with a needle, and injury in my back, but I'm hoping to do what I

did last year and put in some good performances -- eight niggle. Makes

me smile thinking about it. That's all wanted to do, play for England.

I did it so young, I was so proud. Very big presence in the room.

Castleford are a great team, they will bring some flow to the game,

they like to throw the ball around and they have some players in form

who are going to job loss if we aren't careful. -- who are going to

trouble us. How important has George Williams become to this Wigan side?

Alongside Smith, they both have to work seamlessly, move the ball

around the park and glue it together with the strikers around the edges.

A lot to fall on a young man's soldiers, it can be nothing but good

for him, especially with his eyes on the international place. How

important is Smith? The perfect foil, and Tompkins makes it a magic

mix. George is a great foil for Matty and they are both primed for a

big match. They have the big guns, O'Loughlin is out there as well.

Will we see a more familiar Wigan? I think so, he is the emotional

leader, the captain, when he comes on, they lift their game, so look

for a big game from him today. That's part of the gamesmanship,

Luke Dorn, from the coach's point of view but he is a big way for them --

Luke Gale. With him on the field they can beat any other team. What

is going to be the key? If Castleford get all 17 players

playing, they can play, I'm going to back them. They have belief that

they can do it, from a couple of years ago. I think that they are the

underdogs but they have the ruthlessness and the fearlessness,

playing as they feel free and if they play that kind of rugby, Wigan

may come unstuck. The two teams are in the tunnel so we will take you up

to the commentary box with Brian Noble and Jonathan Davies and Dave

Woods. COMMENTATOR: It is a mighty roar that greets them, there is the

potential for a really big cup tie. Both teams are capable of scaling

the heights of quality rugby league and if they both hit the mark, it

could be a cracker. Castleford have travelled with high expectations and

in big numbers here today. They have recent Challenge Cup final history,

as do Wigan. They both have plenty of confidence, Castleford have Luke

Gale back from injury. We thought he would be missing but he is playing

today and that's a boost for them. And Sean O'Loughlin for Wigan, big

boost for them as well. The young mascots enjoying their moment here.

There will be an element of nervousness from both teams' point

of view because it is a huge opportunity, Hull FC, Wakefield,

Warrington, already there. The draw is straight after we finished here,

for the semifinal. In the time-honoured words, will it be

Wigan or will it be Castleford who join them?

So, here is the way they are lining up today. Wigan, Sam Tomkins and his

brother Joel returning, Joel is on the bench. O'Loughlin's return after

injury is a massive boost, he is an important part of the Wigan machine.

Shaun Wane, the coach. There's the referee, Chris Campbell. The is new

to the ranks of senior referees but he's making a good reputation -- he

is new. Castleford, Luke Gale not named in the 19 man squad but they

are relieved he has recovered from his ankle injury to play today and

they have the back row in Moors and McMeeken, arguably as good as

anything in the game. Castleford with the early touch, so let's talk

to Brian Noble and Jonathan Davies. I think it's going to be very

interesting coming to this stadium, always very difficult. Castleford

are playing with a lot of confidence and it will be a huge boost for them

that Luke Gale is playing, he is the general, orchestrating things for

them around the pitch. That's important but as you mention, Sean

O'Loughlin, so much for this Wigan team, the link between the forwards

and the backs. Castleford will be worried about coming here and

playing, a terrific record and the brand of football they have played,

they have three world-class players who are out but it doesn't seem to

have affected them. Early touch from Sam Tomkins, interesting to see what

influence he will have. One of those, casual observers will say,

what, Millington playing but we have seen him playing several times in

the halves and he was outstanding against Salford that day. He plays

like a forward, he makes the yardage, the takes the ball to the

line. Drive inside the Castleford half. Powell is at dummy half. Back

to Smith, who puts it high. Monaghan is under it, Joel Monaghan, formerly

of Warrington, where he had plenty of Challenge Cup success and

experience. That was an easy catch for him. They need to click better

than that, Wigan, to put Castleford under pressure. Both teams' kicking

game is going to be important because trap door football, you

don't come back to play next week, so you've got to get it right on the

day. Late change for Castleford, Greg Minikin has come in, in place

of Jake Webster. A very late change to the Castleford team. So there was

an element of disruption. That's a big blow for Castleford because

Webster has been one very good form and Denny Solomona, getting the

benefits of what he's been doing. He's a great foil, reminds me of the

days of Martin Offiah, who always got the accolades, and showed he

had, but Wright put him over the number of tries -- put him over for

a number of tries. A big blow for Castleford but they have a very

dangerous back three. Two magnificent back threes. The quality

of the finishing is very high if the opportunities are there for them.

Just from he is a chance now for a winger,

Manfredi to stretch the Castleford defence. Five tackles gone, here

comes the last, Sam Tomkins spinning it back to Matty Smith. Behind the

line, but Moynahan and Crooks are there together to collect and safely

bring it away. Damien Johnson, what news from the touchline? An update

on Jake Webster, he has been struggling with a hamstring injury,

he has tweaked it in the warm up, so Winnie King -- soap Minikin comes

in, reason the on loan from Batley, so a big day for him. He made his

debut against Leeds and he made a very early impact, scoring a couple

of tries on his birthday in Catalan the week after as well. The young

lad from York. He won't be fazed by this today. Castleford, not fazed

either as they bring it forward through Massey. Takes it just inside

the Wigan half. He's had a big season, Moors. He's been absolutely

fabulous and in a season when Denny Solomona is getting the headlines

with Luke Gale, I think that Moors is crucial to what this Castleford

team want to achieve. Trying to make things happen on the right-hand side

with Sam Tomkins leading things off. But it's back towards the middle. It

is a big pack, Sutton is playing in the second row for Wigan. He's been

playing right second row for the last couple of games, so that is

adding a bit of muscle. He's a big boy. Powell is at dummy half.

Flowers survived a date with the disciplinary panel this week. It

enabled him to play. O'Loughlin spinning back to Smith, getting the

pass away and suddenly they are streaking through, Sam Tomkins has

Sarginson on the right-hand side. Sarginson can't help but score in

the corner. It's a thrilling start from a Wigan point of view. Minutes

have been played. The referee is pointing his finger, Sarginson the

scorer. I mentioned at the top of the show how important getting their

players back, and Sean O'Loughlin is pivotal for Wigan. He is the fulcrum

of the movement, going around the middle, going out the back and they

released the second row. Going straight through the hole that

Castleford didn't fill up properly. Supporting and it's the easy finish.

Lovely play. Again, O'Loughlin coming in, Kevin Smith the space.

That's a lovely run, so many numbers over here. That's a very easy

finish. So well created by Wigan. He's going to be one of the England

players abroad again next year, going to Australia for the Gold

Coast, Sarginson. Sam Tomkins having just come back from the NRL, of

course. This is his first Challenge Cup game since his return. Since the

final in 2013. Matty Smith is tasked with the duty of trying to take this

convergence from a difficult and distance touchline. -- distant.

Gazing in concentration. Here comes Smith, to try and add the two to the

four. Giving it plenty of welly but... Yes, I thought he had dragged

it across but it goes through, the flags go up and Wigan are leading

6-0. They need to change the goggles you are wearing, I think they went

through the middle! They are doing this play all the time, you know

it's coming. It is the right delivery to the right person, it is

very difficult to stop. That's a simple but effective play and they

have scored so many tries from it. Picking the right manner and

Sarginson just goes through the gap. It's all about the execution, if

people show up in the right place, they pretty much guaranteed the

overlap because of the numbers. The defence has to be very, very good.

Cries for a penalty for Wigan, but none given. Sarginson has stayed

down. Looking a little bit heavy limbed, but Wigan are in possession

and looking to bring it clear. Looking to batter their way down the

middle. Mossop putting his big weight and determination. O'Loughlin

can do the subtle stuff but he can put in the big minutes down the

middle as well. Are we going to see the first touch here for Solomona?

Luke Dorn collect set on the bounce but here is Solomona. The chasing

players shouldn't let him through. Michael Monaghan, Luke Dorn and

Denny Solomona, that's a pretty impressive trio bringing the ball

back. Wigan themselves with Charlie, Tomkins and Manfredi don't lack

prowess in that department and it may come down to which back three

has the best day-to-day. Minikin getting a touch. Luke Gale with the

kick, from being behind the 40 but it is stuck in the corner. Sam

Tomkins have two -- has to pick it up. Some heavy Labour for him.

Passing it to Charlie, who is put down. The early kick from Passover

-- Charnley. -- early kick from Castleford. The pitch is only five

weeks old, so they were watering it heavily before the game so it may

skid into touch. Sarginson looking wide. Gildart, we will be in the

Co-op is that later today because he's going to help us with the for

the semifinal -- we will be with his father later today.

The full-back and win a close in, Solomona collecting it. Again it is

an efficient chase from those in Cherry and Whites. Look where they

completed the set, a good exit and then it's in their own 20 again.

Castleford will be hoping that they get a penalty here to lift their

efforts to get downfield. Wigan are just smothering them at the moment.

But here's a fellow who can make difference, Moors. Not this time.

McShane back inside. Jewitt, who lives up the road from here and

broke Wigan Haas a couple of years ago when Castleford came here and

won on their way to Wembley. They get the penalty they were hoping

for. I think that discipline is important, especially for

Castleford. If Wigan give them free field position it will be much

easier for the team that innocence are the underdogs, who need every

break, every 50-50 to go their way. Wigan are very structured and

organised when they are playing at this stadium. Well, here they go.

Last night's results, a fewer errors, discipline, giving them

possession and the penalty winning the game at the end. Patrick, who

was at Wigan last year on loan. Now full-time at Castleford. Ten metres

away, Castleford with their best field position so far in the cup

tie. Dorn is trying to add... Great tackle. Great tackle, I thought it

was over. Running so well, Dorn, creating the extra man. It was a

very messy ruck. It wasn't a very well taken play the ball. Massey,

setting up the platform again. Options right and left, McShane

picks up. Dorn with the delayed pass to Crooks, who goes over the line. I

don't think he's got it down. Brilliant defence once again. Great

play by Castleford, the extra man, Luke Dorn was there again. He offers

so much, he was so quick. You can't allow him to run across, he sucks in

the defenders. Millington, he can do that job as well, as well as playing

in the pivotal role. McShane running from dummy half. Gale is offering it

to Moors, who is destructive. Millington's hands let him down. You

just said he was the best in the world and he's built it. He was

through then as well. Finding the opening for Millington. Though it

does really well, passing the ball. But a great opportunity then, the

Castleford team. --. A great opportunity.

Every reason to want to get back to Wembley, Millington, after he missed

the final a couple of years ago because of a knee injury. He has

that extra hunger and drive. But it is Wigan who lead at the moment with

12 other half minutes played. It is a fantastic place to play. A

memorable day in anybody's career. Powell, looking inside. Wigan are

looking to the outside backs to get them a few extra yards here.

Manfredi with the initial drive and here comes Gildart. That's good play

from the Wigan backs. Penalty. He was going to do it the time before

because they were hanging around the ruck. The referee was just looking,

the gamble to give the penalty. Jewitt was hanging on for dear life.

It is difficult for the forwards. The backs are quicker, they tried to

play the ball more quickly. They hold them down and that's where the

penalties come from. They make no secret of which way

they're going, Wigan. 20 metres' way. Powell spinning it left.

Williams involved. Back to Tomkins. He shakes off the attempted tackle

and will slide along that plush green surface to score Wigan's

second try and already they're getting a stranglehold on this game.

Getting there Tom wins. He has always had awesome strength. He

picks out Williams there. Millington, wle slips or can't quite

get there but he is pushed through the tackle. He just can't get there.

And goes too high. That's the up with huge disadvantage when you have

a prop-standoff player. He exposes him one on one and whatever you do

you have to get a good hit on this kid. He is deceptively strong. Very,

very quick. You have to get a hit on thim him. That's the problem. If you

have a yard off you are stretching for the neck and you are away. Sam

Tom kins made his debut in this competition when he scored five

tries against Whitehaven in 2008. Brian remembers that day because? I

was the coach. You were the coach. You picked him. I did. That's where

it all started. Vp Matty Smith with a much simpler

conversion attempt this time in front of the sticks. This doesn't

cause any problems. It's two out of two for him and Wigan lead by 12-0.

It's two missed tackles, two tries. We said the finishing prowess of

both sides. Watch. He loops at the back. It's a late ball out the back.

Shrugs off the tackle because he just can't get there. He is not far

away from where we are, Sean Wayne. He was saying Castleford were

talking themselves up and wanting to win this competition. A slight edge

in his answers before the match. Wigan muscling up again here.

Castleford needing a response quickly.

Needing to get themselves in the game here. There's a little hint of

a danger of Wigan running away with it in these early stages with a

score they have just now. Williams again with a dummy. This time it is

dealt with. And dragged down. MacShane, the defender.

Isa. Back to O'Loughlin, to Tomkins. Sam Tomkins wide to Sarginson.

They're stretching at the moment. Smith on the - he will send it high.

Monaghan underneath it and a safe pair of hands. A great take. Had a

hamstring injury, Monaghan, of late. Yeah, it's restricted him a little

bit. You put yourself out on the field and the opposition aren't

going to let you off a little bit because they've a injury, if they

think it's a flaw they'll pepper him. Is that what happens? Of

course. Terrible game, ruthless! No Someone's hurt or tired you run at

them. How rude! Castleford. One tackle to go here. MacShane.

Back to Gale. Down field. Tomkins this time, shouldn't be under

pressure. Catches it. Sees what options are and realises he will

have to run it straight at the line and take the tackle. Castleford will

have to braeng the bank at some stage and be more expansive. I don't

- I think they're a big strong machine when they want to be. They

chew up the territory and all of a sudden they're at your end of the

field. They vice-president had the opportunity. Wigan's game plan's

been very good. Just complete the set and there is a good kick. Once

again, he is receiving the ball. Find the grass. The chase is good.

There is a real efficiency about Wigan.

A real efficiency about the way they're playing. That's a great word

to use in relation to how they go about their business. Here is Gale.

It's up to Castleford to disrupt the rhythm.

At the moment they're being stifled. Monaghan pops up on that left-hand

side. Now it comes back to the middle.

Penalty for Castleford. That will give them a lift. Yeah, that will.

They seem to struggle to get the yardage. But this will give them

field position. This is where they need a chance their arm now. The

last three occasions they've been rocking the ball out of their own

half. They've had to rely on a penalty. The kicks haven't been as

good as Wigan kicks. They haven't been bad but they've been neutral,

if that's the right word. This penalty will give them decent field

position. A double change here. Patrick and Jewitt have come off and

Holmes and Tickle have come on. Another penalty for Castleford.

Back-to-back penalties. The significance of that, an

ex-Wigan player, Tickle and Holmes playing a first game for 15 weeks. I

think his last game was a league game here. He is a good player. If

he is anywhere near fit he had add a lot to this team. They've lost

Roberts and Webster not playing today. Lynch, who is a linchpin

literally for their team. They've manufactured a style of football

that really suits them. The last round when they had injuries... Here

is Gale. The pass is a good one! Solomona. Is it one of those rare

occasions when he has been given an opportunity and might have spilled

it? In back play has Luke Dorn been critically injured here? The referee

wants a look at the shoulder charge. Lots of issues here. Let's hand it

over to the video referee Robert Hicks.

We will check whether there is a collision, whether it's possible

shoulder contact or possible high tackle. That looks OK. Although it

goes off the screen. Have you got that slower?

That's a bit tight to see. I can see it from the other side, if that's

possible, please and slow if we can. It's come down and there is is

contact with the head. The first one is the best one, please. It's off

the shoulder first. There is some contact. So, Dorn has the ball. As

he off-loads there is a tackle and contact with the shoulder with the

head but it's come off Dorn's shoulder so it will be a penalty if

it's not a try. Can we now check the grounding, please?

We are checking at touch and go. Solomona has the ball in hand. He

has it still. He is in the air there. He is still in the air. He is

touching goal. It will be no try. First is penalty for high tackle.

So, no try. There is a full and frank

explanation. No try quite clearly but the high tackle is going to give

Castleford a penalty here. What about that tackle from Tomkins?

Sarginson and Tomkins somehow got across. Boom, they come across and

whack him into touch. That's fabulous. Nine times out of ten he

scores then. I don't think Manfredi's tackle system high play.

He wraps his arm arched the ball carrier. Luke Dorn takes the hit and

offloads. In normal speed it's a brilliant tackle. Two great tackle

thes. Great play by Castleford. Great play all round. After all of

that it remains 12-0. Castleford in excellent attacking position. What

do they make of of this? The crowd is fired up as well. Oliver Holmes.

An early carry. As far as his inclusion in this game is concerned.

Millington can't get it away. A good effort in defence by Isa. Tomkins is

on the field. Tickle again now. It's a loose pass. It's picked up by

Holmes. Gale. Options closed down. They wrapped around him. Good play

Sarginson. Spots the problem and closes Gale down. Tickle barging it

in. This now will be the last play in this set.

Gale again. Flick it is through. Taken by Tomkins. Takes the tackle.

He is back in his area. Great last play from Gale. They couldn't get

through this magnificent Wigan defence. First on millington and

then on Gale. Then the kick comes through and Tomkins sweeps it up.

Great chase from Gale to complete the tackle. That's what they have to

do. They've been knocking at Wigan's try-line but the defence has been

brilliant. They have to try in the repeat set and run against a tiring

defence. There's loads to admire at the moment. Smith, that's a long

kick but Tickle back and collects. And looks up. And runs it back.

Holmes was with us on BBC radio on Thursday night, Oliver Holmes and he

was saying he would be playing this match on adrenalin having not played

for 15 weeks. That match fitness must be missing but adrenalin gets

you through on occasions like this. Gale up to the line. Out wide. You

with it was a wild forward pass from Luke Dorn. The space was closed down

quickly. Again very good play by Sarginson. He spots it, runs in,

puts pressure on Darn. I like this player, he is an exciting fullback,

Dorn. The threat into the line is very, very good. He got spooked

really. It was up and in play from the centre that made him pass the

ball early. He has done it a few times. Dorn has to give himself

depth now to suck Sarginson in and get someone on the outside of him.

Don't forget by the way the draw is on after this game has finished.

Semifinal draw. The Rugby League forum as well is on after we finish

here. Contact us the usual way. Up to the halfway line. Powell.

Smith. Tautai on from the bench. Only started once in his career. I

think he is what you call an impact player. He looks like an impact

player with the hair bobbing around on the back of his head.

A real eye-catcher in that respect, at the very least.

Castleford again dominating territory and the rest of it. But

they're very much behind on the scoreboard by 12-0.

Millington bumping it in. A couple of tackles still to go. MacShane out

here back to Gale who was calling for it. Now they've numbers again.

Minamisanriku trying to cut back inside. -- Minikin.

That was never safe. The last play, but a knock-on from

Greg Minikin before he can play it. As Brian said earlier, thae the way

to play against Wigan, especially when you have someone like Gale and

Dorn there working together. They're getting the yards out. Not getting

any change in the middle against the Wigan pack. There is the mistake.

Some welcome time off here. Both sides, Gale just putting a finger in

his air to his team-mates. One minute here. Let's keep them here

will be the call from that Castleford defence.

19 times Challenge Cup winners Wigan. It's a record. Of course,

they wrote their name large in Cup legend between 1988 and 95 when they

won it eight times in succession. Brian and myself were on the wrong

side of that, as well! There was a time when you would start a season

asking the question I wonder who will be at Wembley with Wigan this

year? We would sit there watching as a player hoping they get knocked out

Or you got signed for Wigan! If you played well against Wigan they

usually signed you then. 6th tackle coming up. Smith will send it down

the field. It's out of play, is it? It will be now. Didn't you play them

in a semifinal once, Brian. You are going to remind me of that. And the

drop goal in amongst the rest of the mayhem. At what point in the game

was that dropped goal? I don't know. They went 1-0 up, I think. 1-0 and

added the 70 later. They were in a tough game for about three minutes!

This game is about opportunities at the moment for me. Wigan have had

two and ex-computed in the right parts of the field. We have seen

Castleford here, who are trying to be expansive and they play a super

brand of football. You have to take your opportunities and execute your

plays at the right moment when it's track goal football. Gale over the

top. Minikin has space to run. Minikin trying to bustle through. He

is stopped. Dorn was there again. Sarginson was in. Tickle trying to

go down the middle. Powell and Tautai holding on. 6th

tackle. Charnley is underneath that. Monaghan blocked out. They'll follow

up and push Charnley. I think he stayed in the field of

play. It was a brilliant kick, right. But very, very good play also

by the Wigan centre. Looking after his fullback.

Called it a high shot. Yeah. A clumsy tackle. It's a penalty.

Matte Smith will find touch. Touch judge will wave the flag to say game

restarts on the 20-metre mark. Good shot. I felt that one here! Getting

involved again here millington. A big shift in millington, especially

when he expects to make the... Oh, Tautai rips a hole through the

defence and off he goes. Dorn slows him up enough. Minikin gets back to

complete the tackle. High Court to the right side. Solomona as attempt

didn't stop him. It's taken on by Manfredi. Two tackles in this set to

go. Wigan pressing hard. Smith over the top to Powell.

Along the lines to Gildart. Gildart trying to make things happen.

Dragged down by Crooks. Now Charnley will go from dummy half and ducks

between Crooks and Monaghan and will have the try. That is not the most

spectacular try on his CV but they all count. A really effective finish

from Charnley and Wigan pushing themselves further ahead. The

difference at the moment is the try line defence. That's the difference.

Opportunities are very equal between these two sides but unfortunately a

missed tackle and they paid the price for it. Great break and he is

away. The impact player makes an impact. He is just here. They'll be

- they had done the hard work, Castleford, they had got the damage

limitation in in order and they let - they all count. It's Monaghan and

unfortunately they just Ben Crooks can't stop Charnley. A low body

position. They all count. They're team killers. Teams don't like

conceding those kind of tries. It was mentioned about the try line

defence. We have seen Wigan on both sides of the field desperate. You

have to be desperate if you want to go to a Challenge Cup final. . Three

tackles and three tries down. They've created more opportunities

than Wigan pup they haven't got over the whitewash. It's all about being

clinical and Wigan have been very, very clinical so far. Matte Smith

settles himself for another of these. A conversion attempt.

Some reflection of how many close games Wigan have been involved in

this year, not only are they one of the lowest scoring sides in

superleague but this fella Matte Smith has banged over six or seven

dropped goals this year. They know how to win games and what's needed

at particular times in the game. Here he comes. Starts it left. It

drifts towards the middle. Stays on that path and over it goes. Three

out of three. 18 points-0 now Wigan lead. He might not look it but he is

a satisfied coach, Sean Wayne. They're grinding out the right parts

of the feemd and getting there. Every member of the team had got

back on to their goalline. They were propping expecting the kick and

clocked off. Really important that Castleford score next from their

point of view and from the game's point of view. At this stage this is

a recoverable position. But they can't allow Wigan to grind on from

here. Sarginson ducking. The next goal is crucial in this match. Here

comes Williams and now it's a chance for Gildart to take on Ben Crooks

again. It's a fascinating subplot to the game, that battle that's going

on with those two young English centres.

Gildart is winning it at the moment. That's it. Look where they are

again. Tomkins. They're in the Castleford half putting the kick in.

Looking for a bit of space down the field. Picked up by Solomona.

He is managed the offload. That's well worked. Luke Dorn can take

Castleford a good ten yards further down the field.

Milner is another one that's arrived from the bench. Gildart wrestling

him down. Crooks has lost the ball in the tackle. It's going to be

Wigan's. They both have famous father. There be two proud dads

looking on, as well. I I played with both players. Who was the best?

That's not very nice! Well, I think Lee Crooks played in Australia a few

times for the NRL and played for Great Britain. Test matches, goal

kicks, he probably has the higher profile. Ian Gildart didn't. I would

suggest Lee Crooks is the best prop, and Gildart the best forward. That's

a loaded question. That's taken on a stride or two by

Joe Bretherton. That's a high tackle. As we mentioned earlier,

Gildart joining us for that draw later. -- Ian Gildart. Again, no

field position from the tackle. This is crucial for Castleford. They've

to defend. A big moment in the Cup tie. Wigan in the ascendency at the

moment. Another try here and suddenly the hill becomes a mountain

for Castleford to climb. Tomkins will drive it in. 200th

Wigan game today, Tomkins by the way. Smith to Tomkins.

They've still three tackles to go here. Look how close they are.

They're trying to sneak another one from dummy half. Castleford are not

going to fall for it this time. They must have seen a weakness in

Castleford's defence. Smith. Williams long ball to Charnley!

Flying in at the corner. The referee is going to ask a

question here. He wants to see it again. That's a try. Has he got it

down? It's a try. He thinks it's a try. Let's look at the evidence.

It's a try. We are checking that the grounding and the touching

goal/touchline. From behind Charnley has the ball. It's in his hands

still. He has scored. Can I see it from the other angle? That looks as

though it's a try from that angle. On that one, that's a try. That's a

try. We rather downplayed his first effort but we should trumpet that

one. We have been talking about the atleticism of Solomona in the play

but decent from Charnley on that occasion for a try. Frngs they've

done their homework and they've looked at millington playing third

man in and they've run at him. I think they've exposed his lack of

pace as a prop forward in the stand-up position. It asks questions

of the outside defenders and they're hanging on and defended a little bit

too height. The penalty that gave Wigan the field position. One side

to the other to stretch millington. He comes in and makes a jump. They

feel nervous with big decisions to make. The two outside men can't push

because they don't want to expose the inside defence. That's the

correct ball. They are caught flat-footed because they're

defending too tight. That stat that appeared op the screen there is

worth commentingen. 158 tries in 161 appearances for Josh Charnley.

That's not bad. It's a decent return. 158 in 161. Terrific effort.

That's what you want from a winger. Smith has made that three kicks out

of four because that's his first miss of the day. 22-0 Wigan lead. We

all agree Castleford need to score next. We said it last time. For the

balance of the game Castleford are a type of team if they get one they'll

get two or three on the bounce and drag themselves into the occasion.

They're not in the occasion at the moment, they're being bullied, I

think that's the right expression. They're not quite getting a grip and

making errors that are causing them even more problems. Got to get

themselves on the score board. Yeah. It's a really professional and

efficient performance here. Machine-like, which is good. Very,

very efficient and very clinical. Powell will collect. I think that's

the first offload. They've said get the yardage, get into a position and

get the kick and we defend. Smith dragging it down the middle.

Luke Dorn was expecting the touch. A second or two is used as he gathers

it in which allows Wigan defenders a little bit of extra yardage down

field. Dorn sees Castleford starting 30 yards out.

You feel they need to get something before half-time for confidence.

They've created. A penalty. They have a penalty here. Their next set

will be played in its entirety inside the Wigan half.

Very nearly inside the Wigan 20. Minikin and here is Tickle.

But five more tackles to go. Milner looks to his right. It's taken on.

Matt Cook put down. Milner again and Gale. Trying to bring them on.

Minikin crashes in. Defenders are waiting for him in numbers.

Milner passing it back to Gale. The advancing O'Loughlin. Putting him

down. Milner again, Millington. The last tackle in this set. Gale kicks

it, high and wide. Taken superbly by Manfredi. I said earlier, some very

confident winners on the field, in attack and defence. -- wingers. That

is the last chance. Ooh! Potential for that being high but the referee

says it was high. Just in time. He rushes in. Oh, hang on, take your

pick! So, Matty Smith is in no hurry to find touch on the far side. They

are going to have one set now, Wigan. 22 points down. They can't

afford another try. Sutton with the initial drive. O'Loughlin pushing

away to call. Coming in for more -- Tickle. This should be a closer game

looking at the stats, but they've been so clinical, that's the

difference. Castleford have played well but have missed opportunities,

missing a couple of tackles. Sutton and advancing ahead of Williams, who

he has to dodge as he continues his run. Porte taking it in. -- thought

I -- Tautai. Matty Smith going for the drop goal and he is adding to

his collection... He isn't, he put it wide. There isn't time, Wigan

ending the half with a 22-0 lead, nearly getting the extra point but

it wasn't to be. I'm sure Matty Smith won't be too downhearted about

the missed one point because otherwise Wigan have been very good

in the first period. Let's talk to Damien Johnson who has Sam Tomkins.

Back on the scoresheet in the Challenge Cup, the first time in a

long time. Are you happy with that at half-time? I think so, we are the

best team at half-time. Castleford are a good team, we played them a

few weeks ago. They came back strong in the second half. When we come

back we will come back with a 0-0 mentality. Luke Dorn, how do you

break down this defence? We have two keep the ball, not give away any

penalties. The more we are down there and we will score points, and

have a crack it gull at it. -- have a crack at it. Let's look at the

graphics in the first half, you would almost think it isn't 50-50

possession when you look at the scoreline. The big one for me, set

completion, when you are not completing your giving the

opposition a chance to win and that is why it is 22-0. Not being helped

by the fact that Castleford are missing the one on ones. They have

two muscle up a bit in the middle because the one on one breaks. We

saw Luke Dorn have an opportunity with Millington, not taking the

opportunity. Every time Wigan have been in the red zone, the attacking

zone, have executed. The players look machine-like and efficient,

going through the process, Williams kicking the ball well, Matty Smith

kicking well. Pounding Castleford into submission. It is for

Castleford to do something about it. Let's look at the first try, this

was classic Wigan. It was, the setup was brilliant. McMeeken getting back

onside late. Moors Cas to tighten up the line, focus on the Wigan

players. -- has to tighten up. Sutton going through the middle.

Feeding Tomkins fei early and then it is a simple play to the edge for

the try. They did the similar play earlier hitting Tomkins up the back.

Easy to finish it. Webster isn't there, he's a big presence. He won't

have an easier finish, Sarginson. Ashton rightly said that they have

experienced it before, having a crack at that site before and they

got some success this time. Talking about the attack, very fluent. Their

defence has been very good as well, that goal-line defence. Wigan always

scramble very hard. It is a bit of a battle of the full-backs between

Tomkins and Dorn. They are working hard for one another. As Luke Dorn

said, they will break them down, they need to be persistent. Wigan

are sprinting very hard. A very relaxed looking Shaun Wane. It is,

I'm sure he's happy with 22-0. Shaun Wane will be saying that they are

going out with the 0-0 mentality, as Sam Tomkins said, they want to

finish off Castleford well. We talked about Sam Tomkins before the

game, we've seen both sides, his attacking prowess but also his

defence. Not only can he attack and brake lines and finish off tries, he

can defend. Beautiful little move here, Millington can't turn the

corner. The big fellow, not a bad thing, Sam Tomkins is lightning.

When the ball gets into Sam Tomkins' hands, it is done, it is try time.

You don't want to give him that kind of space. Highlighting the fact that

Millington isn't defending his normal position, and it is

one-on-one with Sam Tomkins. Is he a better defender than he was a couple

of years ago when he left us? I think both sides of Sam Tomkins'

game have been exceptional. In that position, I think Denny Solomona

could have got to the try line. He stayed too high, he could have kept

his momentum. Some great work by Sam. Wigan, working harder, giving

them the opportunity to come up with the big plays. He wanted to jump in.

Just thinking, we spoke about how brilliant Denny Solomona is at

finishing the play and normally he would finish that. If he went lower

earlier, he would have got in but credit to Sarginson and Tomkins,

they got in there. What is the key for them to get back into the game?

The worry for me for Darryl is that they only have got four penalties,

so they need a different City to get them on the front foot and get field

position. Castleford can put 18 on you like that but they don't look

like doing that at the moment. That's the worry for him. Daryl will

be telling his players to get to the right parts of the field and they

will get the scoreboard rolling and they have a chance. We talked about

Solomona and his finishing prowess but Josh Charnley has become the

unsung hero for Wigan, he is going to uni next year but he has scored

some big tries for his team. He is an international rugby league

player, he has been there and done it, Tautai, it is an attitude thing.

We saw Daryl Powell talking, it is all about attitude, you need the

right state of mind to win the Challenge Cup games. Great example,

they already looking outside the play, not even giving Josh Charnley

a second look and when you get that opportunity, if you don't pay

attention, dealing with the first threat, the guy at dummy half...

They disrespected that part of the game and that is what Daryl Powell

is talking about, that attitude. What Robbie was saying, Millington,

that's the problem you have at the backs. It's a great finish, classic

finish. Top finish, this is what we were talking about with Denny

Solomona. Josh Charnley has eyes for the try line, he knows how to finish

and that's how you do it. My only argument, he should have had it in

his left hand! LAUGHTER Like you used to do, Robbie! My

hands weren't big enough. Some finishing tips. Brian, can you see a

way back? Absolutely, there's always a way back, you can turn the tables

but you need to do something different. He has to do something

and think if they do these things, they must get to the right parts of

the field. We sought out by making these moves but Wigan must be

stopped in their bullying. They must keep the belief in attack, Wigan are

scrambling very well. They have the players to break down Wigan. Wigan

are really defending hard and strong, but I'm sure Daryl Powell is

saying, come on, guys, keep it going. You are looking fresh because

you weren't beaten up yesterday, you got to sit and watch your team.

Warrington got through to the semifinals of the Challenge Cup and

let's see it through the eyes of their half-backs, Kurt Gidley.

COMMENTATOR: Rez Hadley getting things underway.

Here is Gidley, the ball on the inside, and there's a chance for

Hughes. Yes! Hit back. It is kicked on by Mellor.

Playing the football. Show a response here. Now it is Whitley,

getting away again. It has all gone white here. The cake for the corner.

Penny is into score. Well done. Ten minute period, here.

Up-tempo, show and go, we are going to win the tackle. Come around the

short side. I've got Brown. Another set to have a go. Why doesn't need

six, he just needs one. -- Dwyer. Dummy income and then it is Houston.

That's a very good rugby league drive. -- try.

It has been dropped on by Cahill in the offside position. Two it is,

two. This is pretty big. Puts this one over, Warrington might have one

foot in the Challenge Cup semifinal. And he has put it over. This is the

last play. Brown putting through the kick. That is it, the second

attempt, and Warrington have clung on. Tough game, make full -- mate.

Let's remind you who is into the semifinal draw. Wakefield and

Warrington have booked their places and Wigan are in the box seat, but

will Castleford come out? We will have the draw at the end of the

game. We also have the rugby league forum on the red button, on the app

and the website. Ashton, fascinating watching Kurt Gidley. The guys who

cut it said that he could have had 80 minutes on his own. Stop shaking

your head! He was just granting, "We will rip into their!". -- into them.

It is gorgeous, the game management but these guys are growling.

Certainly wasn't music. Ashton, off you go. What he has bought to

Warrington is invaluable, money can't buy that, his competitiveness.

Talking about Sam Tomkins' competitiveness, his will to win,

second to none. It shows you there, what he brings to the team and keep

them afloat. And he didn't stop through the 80 minutes, pointing and

pushing and moving around. He's like a good dog, making sure you are in

the right place. Great as a front while player, you can get a bit of

tunnel vision -- front row. He makes sure you are in the right place.

Especially the penalty goal at the end. A few fans were happy with

that. I'm sure they were. Incredible kick. Castleford fans getting there

are freshmen is, trying to build up their strength for the second half.

The Castleford players are out there bit earlier than the Wigan ones,

Brian. I think Daryl Powell might have been short and sharp and

saying, boys, to turn it around we had to be decisive and incisive and

I don't think he needed many words to reinforce that. They have to be

better in the middle and execute on the fringes. They will create

opportunities, Castleford, they are too good a team. We will let you get

back to the commentary box to join Jonathan Davies and Dave Woods for

the second half. COMMENTATOR: Wigan fans will have enjoyed the first 40

minutes, a pretty ruthless performance by Wigan. It is up to

Castleford to try and break the Cherry and Whites resolved. --

resolved. The sprinklers are still on, I hope they switch them off

before the game begins! A new surface, five weeks and four days

since it was laid. Yes. A couple of seconds before Solomona gets

drenched. Here we go, he thinks it's raining! He's just gone through a

car wash. They've stopped, finally. So, here we go. Luke Gale, getting

things underway. Wigan will have possession for the first time in the

second half. What has to happen for the dynamics of the match to change?

Castleford need a different approach, they have a chance for

more line speed in their defence, a bit more in the Wigan sowed -- in

the middle so that the Wigan forwards don't get on top of them. I

think that Wigan will want to grind it out, as they have been doing.

Wigan don't need to change anything. They've been clinical and very

effective. As Brian said at half-time, they need field position.

I don't think that they have the pace, apart from Solomona and Dorn,

to go the length of the field, so they need the right areas. Dorn

carefully collecting the kick and he passes to Solomona but the wall of

Cherry and Whites is waiting again. So, no purchase on that occasion.

Monaghan now trying to bustle forwards. But down they go. Milner

is still on the field. Adam Milner again. Looking to

Tickle. Dorn wide but he will have seen the large size of Sarginson

closing in. This fellow hasn't had as destructive a performance as he

has had against other teams this season, Moors. I think the go to

man, he must get more involved, Gayle must look for him and that a

bit wider. Run at Smith. If you can get the quicker men running at

Millington, the larger men running at myth. They have to do that when

they get into the good positions -- at Smith. I wonder what was said at

half-time, let's get the news from Damien Johnson. Daryl Johnson said

that they made too many errors, they have two get the game together, put

the pressure game on them and things may happen in the second half. For

Wigan, Shaun Wane said he wants more of the same, he said that they will

come at them but he was pleased how they move the ball from side to side

in the first half. -- moved the ball. Williams moving back towards

the middle, dodging and darting and off he goes. Tomkins to the left and

he has Moynahan. Solomona coming in quickly. Good defence by Dorn and

Solomona, they communicated. O'Loughlin with the dummy. And the

carry. Eventually taking the tackle. On the goal line. A big opportunity,

incisive. Another snapshot of what happened in the first half, the

break down the middle. Williams took it quite a long way down the field

and then Solomona, getting back and making the tackle and Gale made the

tackle on O'Loughlin, who look like calling.

Milner again the marshalling. McShane is off the field. Wigan

again working them over in defence. Getting the tackles in and

Castleford are not troubling them. They must find something. Quickly

away, Minikin rushing on the inside am a Solomona. It was a poor pass.

It has gone to ground and it is picked up by Sam Tomkins who can

embarrass this defence if he is given half a chance. Luke Dorn with

the thunderous challenge to stop him. It's all about being clinical,

that's the one opportunity they've had. Minikin did exceptionally well

but the pass inside to Solomona, the perfect run but the past didn't get

to him unfortunately. Sarginson did well. He just got a hand to it. --

but the pass. Another penalty. Not sure if it was for the high tackle

or the secondary effort. Secondary effort. Wigan setting up camp in

Castleford's half again. They just seem to be making the

yards a lot easier than Castleford. Finding field position so much more

easily. Five Wigan players to the left but they go right again. That's

a poor pass by Smith. A couple of opportunities at the start of the

second half for Wigan. If Castleford scored a try... They must be

careful. We saw Minikin making the break. Smith with a poor effort to

be sidelined, twice that's happened in the second half. Minikin made a

move, if that had gone to hand, you are right, you can't take Castleford

likely, they are a good team. I was talking to a Wigan supporter at

half-time, very satisfied with the first 40 minutes but said, they

haven't done it for 80 minutes so far this season, they must keep it

going. Castleford will take hope from that, that may be Wigan's

boiling point may be reduced a bit in the second period. Tickle

tackled, but he floats and Gale picks it up. Not making a lot of

progress, three tackles on. That looked forward. But it's offside,

thought I -- Tautai. Must settle, keep running the patterns. Creating

opportunities in the first half but couldn't finish them. Just keep

knocking on the door. One try will give them confidence, the momentum

shift, as we saw last night. It looked all over at one stage, but

there was a great try and Warrington had the momentum to come back.

Strong carried by Crooks. Millington up to the 20. Koke spinning its two

Gale and now Moors. Oh, it was behind Luke Dorn. Trying to off-load

it, that's gone forward. Good tackle, though. Had to make it.

Manfredi doesn't have to carry on running here. That's the show where

they say, look out behind you. He has taken on his head which may have

covered his ears so he couldn't hear the whistle. He's behind you!

Again, one mistake, isn't it? Just the execution, Wigan have been quite

clinical. We see here, Solomona, fired it at his chest, difficult

catch to make. The weight wasn't correct. Hull have beaten Catalan

today, they go to the semifinals. Warrington beating Widnes last

night, so they are in the semifinals. Special night for

Jonathan Davies last night, Warrington against Widnes, two of

his former teams. You said it was nice to walk away from the ground

without being abused by the supporters! Less to do with what

they think of you, but more because you left the ground under cover of

darkness! Castleford in possession here. Milner is at dummy half.

Holmes on the right-hand side. A try here for Castleford just maybe

changes the dynamics. But they are along way from scoring. They need

something to happen. Milner, there's something happening! Tomkins comes

in with the tackle. Millington, back on the inside. Bouncing off players

again and Gale tried the awkward kick, but Solomona has gathered it

in. I don't think this is going to be given. I'm not sure. It was a

great finish, but it's whether his feet are in touch. He got to it. He

says it's a try. And touching goal, so maybe this is the moment. He

doesn't look confident. Let's check with the video referee. We have the

decision of a try. The kick was onside. We can freeze it on his

foot, yes, all onside, so we can concentrate on whether the ball was

grounded before he went into touch. His feet are in the air. That's very

tight. I'd like it slower if I can. The angle is the one I need, but

slower, so Maicon CEP catches the line. The ball is down. It is touch,

that is his boot. I think it was short of the line, so it is not a

try. Just show it again, please. Can I see it again, his boot. It is the

first angle which is the best one. It is the other player's boot that

was in touch. Right, the ball is now down and if we go frame by frame

from here. His legs are in air and so is the ball. He is now down. Play

on, that is play on, play on. Touch there, the ball was short. Scrum, no

try. Sometimes we can be critical about the use of the video referee,

but tell you what, when you see and hear that, perfect explanation,

perfectly good decision. Not a try, he did his best to get in, but

Wigan, a desperate scramble defence. Manfredi and Sarginson making sure

Solomona didn't get in there. Respecting the try line. So, Wigan

have survived. Castleford, frustrated dill. But there's a hint

that they can pack a punch -- still. It was a manufactured kick from Luke

Gale, wasn't it, which closed them down. He can do that, he is

terrific, on the wrong foot, poking it through. Tautai looking to bustle

his way through. Three have gone. Joel Tomkins. Powell wanting it

played. Matty Smith and Tomkins, quick. Sarginson wanted it to be

quick. It has gone to ground, knock-on. Minikin did his job. It's

got a little bit scrappy now, I don't know if it is the scoreline

affecting both teams but a lot of mistakes creeping in. It is up to

Castleford to grab the game by the scruff of its neck, get on the

scoresheet, get the momentum going, get the confidence back. They need

to pick up the tempo, it is flat on both sides. It only takes a moment

to turn things around. Castleford and Wigan are aware of that. Both

follow the tips of their toes in terms of concentration here poor

both are on -- both are on. Dragging it down, Flower is about to come

back on the field. Dorn's space is again closed down. They've done

their homework on Dorn, both of the centres coming in.

Not finding a safe passage but takes the tackle and gets up to play.

Here is Cook. Missed his man. It's picked up by

Milner. Millington again, trying to hold off Wigan defends swarming

around him. Last play in the set. Back to Gale who has hoisted it high

to this corner. It might be too deep. Taken by Manfredi. It's back

on the 20. Great competition between those two. Like salmon leaping the

pair of them. Patrick back on the field for Holmes. Gildart running

out of dummy half. In case you have forgotten, or in

case you weren't with us in the first half, his dad will be joining

us for the draw later on. The semifinal draw.

Ian Gildart. Not long after the match has finished here.

Five gone. One to go. Wigan deep inside their opponents' territory.

Sarginson will dribble it for the corner. A good end to the set. Back

on the 10-metre line. Castleford are given the hard work again to get

away from where they don't want to be. Yeah, if you want to score you

score from 90 metres. Castleford can't get in the game. Can't get

themselves an opportunity. It's one of those days where it's not quite

making the break. That's down to Wigan. The defence has been

magnificent. They've closed everything down on the fringes and

they've been very strong in the middle. The team in cherry and white

are just nailing it, defensively, particularly. Castleford have been

creative this year but today defence is on top. Very aggressive. Very

well organised. I am glad I looked around there, I was about to sit

down and I looked around and the chair's gone. I would have loved you

to have sat down. Our viewers, I would have described it in my best

hyperbole. Castleford working hard again here. But it is hard work.

That's the problem. A couple but not making too much

distance. Gale trying to create space. Oh,

another big hit on Sutton. I think Sutton's come off second best there.

I don't think, I know. There is the evidence.

Just below us there. It was an accidental contact. There

was nothing illegal about this. Head in the wrong place. Yeah, mistimed

that completely. Turned into him. He is waggling his legs down there,

Ryan Sutton, or he was a few minutes ago. He is obviously conscious. But

they don't take any risks now. We always applaud the medical staff

these days. They don't even wait for the referee. If they spot something

they're on the field straightaway. Ryan Sutton I think is going to be

OK. They'll take him off and check. Just watch. He rushes in and gets

the timing all wrong. He is cut down sharply. Doesn't get his arms up.

Gale will put it high. Tomkins has a watch and has taken it very, very

well. And gets a penalty, as well. Just a comment about Tomkins

defensive play as a fullback. He has improved from his experience in the

NRL because of the intensity you have to play out there you have to

make defensive plays as well as offensive attacking plays. We knew

his attacking prowess. If there was ever any question marks, he has come

out with super defensive plays today. Jonathan, you spotted out the

tackle in the first half but under the high ball there, as well. I

think he knows what to expect by playing in the halfback position,

what players are going to do. So he reads the situation before it

happens. Defensively irrespective of how good you are positionally you

have to be brave. He has put the tackles in. Flower taking it

forward. Williams jabbing it over the top.

There might be problems here for Monaghan. He was being closed down.

Pushed from behind by Charnley. I think it's a penalty.

Johnson down on the touchline what are you saying? News about Ryan

Sutton, the young prop who disappeared a moment ago after that

collision. He looked groggy. He has gone to the dressing room with the

doctor. He won't be back for at least 15 minutes if at all. He is

going to have an assessment on that head injury. They take every

precaution with that kind of injury. And a good man with him, a Professor

you know very well. Wigan doctor for a long time. He was at Bradford with

me. He has been instrumental in bringing the highest of standards to

the game of Rugby League. Luke Gale just inside.

We have not seen a lot of game time from Burke, or am I wrong? I think

it's his first sprint on the field, in general or today's game? Yeah, I

think it's his first. Charnley takes it safely. He is on a hat trick of

course and scored two tries in the first half.

No change in the scoreline since that half-time hooter. 22-0 it

remains. Wigan dominant in the first period perhaps less efficient in the

second. Castleford still unable to break them down.

Williams to Tomkins. Across the line to Sarginson.

A couple of tackles to go. Burke will take it on.

Last play. Down this short side. Tomkins gets the kick away. It rolls

over the boot of Dorn. They're up, the cherry and whites. Penalty. A

penalty. That's a really cheap penalty to give away. They've done

it a number of times. If Shaun Wane was to be critical of his team

that's about the 6th in that area of the field. Castleford haven't had to

ruck the ball out too many times. Is there time in the game? Yes, there

is. Plenty of time. Plenty of time. 23 minutes to play. Castleford, if

they are going to rescue this game, will have to score four times in

those 23 minutes and not concede. You have to make a change at six.

Millington, you know, however good a ball player he is, at this level now

he lacks the pace maybe against this opposition. They need a little bit

more pace there. Dorn to Solomona but he couldn't pick a path that

didn't have a cherry and white bowleder in the way.

Here is Minikin. Dragged down. One more chance in this play

against. Monaghan is after this. Gets up and

knocks it down. They're trying to keep it alive. Wigan back safely in

possession. Another example. They're brilliant catchers of the ball.

Charnley and Manfredi would have been doing extras through the week.

They've gone for every scrambled ball.

Success here for Castleford in terms of restricting Wigan's movement down

field. Tomkins will put a big boot on it. That's a decent kick. Dorn is

back there. He is not going to get too far the other end before those

Wigan players will meet and greet. That's what happens in high

intensity games and high pressure games, when the long kicking games,

two or three or four players before the Castleford players are back into

a position where they can play. Territory and possession. Castleford

dominant but, unfortunately they contact not break this Wigan defence

down. Until now. Back inside. Moors has a chance to

run and the pass away from Luke Gale underneath the sticks. Suddenly

there's a little spark in this Cup tie again. That could be the spark.

Broken field running. They know they can do it. They know they've the

ability. It's a lovely inside ball: They're back in the game. Gale is

the reason they're back in the game. He provides the opportunity. He

provides the ball for Moors and provides the support play on the

inside that gets them the six points. Is that one brief moment in

the whole of the Cup tie or is it something that starts something

special for Castleford here? Gale with the play to Dorn who juggles

it. Moors back on the inside. Moors back on the inside for him. He got

him back on the inside there where normally he might have played on the

outside. Dorn a great support player. Lovely ball. Doesn't look

for contact. There is an element of doubt about whether the pass was

forward or not. I think it was forward. Sometimes you need lucky

breaks. It means itself out. You have to take them when they go with

you. Is there a little belief flooding back into Castleford here?

There is still time in the game for tem them to rescue what hiter to has

seemed a lost cause. Wigan having so much ascendency looking to

re-establish their authority in this game now.

Millington goes wide right. Crooks was inject ago bit of pace on that

far side. They go to McMeeken who keeps it moving. And thrown to Moors

again. That's a heck of a pass by him.

Bounces backwards. He said play on. Then he says knock on.

Must have been a touch judge. That must have been the call from the

officials. They're starting to offload now.

Caution to the wind. They need to do it. You can only assume the referee

thought he could have had a good view of that. It was decided it was

a knock-on. Wigan back with the ball. Castleford's enthusiasm

sometimied just a little. Sarginson driving it down the middle. Powell

at dummy half again. This is the last play again.

Tomkins. Needs to keep it in the field of play. The wingers have

caught well. Defensively. He has done well. He has been well, he's

come in. He's done exceptionally well. Looking for the offload. There

is an extra zip to Castleford at the moment. Holding him down say the

referee. They look a little scruffy if that's the right expression,

Wigan at the moment, they're giving penalties away. They're not looking

fluid. They're looking tired, as well. Forwards are looking tired.

Throw caution to the wind. Hammered in by Patrick. They've five tackles

to go from here. Here is Massey. Milner.

Still a long way back. They still have to score three times

Castleford. Wigan still very much with the advantage here. But Holmes,

on tackle three. Milner again. Patrick. MacShane. Picked up by

Dorn. Back to MacShane. Pops it over the top. McMeeken carries it

one-handed. Five yards out. Spun back. Castleford right down the

middle. Well, he gave himself up there, junior Moors. Milner running

through. It was almost as if Junior Moors thought the referee is going

to blow so I might as well stop. They had a lot of momentum. They

were going to score the play. Milner. Moors doesn't give it to

him. Gave himself up junior Moors. He did. So frustration for the

coach. Remember what's coming up after this game, we have the

semifinal draw straight after this match. Coming up after that the rug

lie league forum. We will have details of how to get

on to that. -- Rugby League forum. You can contact us on social media.

15 minutes of this game still to go, though. Still enough time for

Castleford. Wigan will want to see it out.

Errors made, only three. That's very good. Charnley cutting in. But

chopped down. Here is O'Loughlin, back to Smith again. Behind Burke

and into the hands of Tomkins. To the corner. That's a great kick. It

needs dealing with. It has not. I think he has missed it. He is

claiming he's got it. The referee thinks he might have got it. But we

have to be certain it's a Cup tie so let's hear again from the video

referee Robert Hicks. You have gone with a try? OK. All right. We are

looking from the kick first. Are they onside? On the foot, yes, they

are on the right side. Roll with this, please, just to see what

happens here. Just check this first. Manfredi has to get his hand on top

of the ball when it's on the floor. Can't really see whether he touches

it or not, the ball goes dead. Have we got the other side to see? If we

go slow on this. Does his hand get on that ball on the floor? Looks

like he may put his finger on top and the ball is on the floor. Slow

here. Looks like he may miss it. I can't prove he doesn't touch it and

I would have to have sufficient evidence to overturn that. I need it

much slower than that, please. His happened is coming down. That ball

is on the floor. Can't tell whether it's touched the ball or not off

that replay. That's the best one on the slow, on that corner. His hand

comes down, that's on the floor. His hand may touch that ball, if that's

all we have got and I haven't sufficient evidence to overturn this

because his finger could have touched that ball, I can't prove

whether it does or it doesn't. Is that all we have got? On the basis

that's all we have got, it's a try. Well, we didn't see the Castleford

fans' reaction there but you can guess what it was. I am with them! I

am with the Castleford fans. He missed it! I don't think he touched

that whatsoever. How he has given that, I don't know. Well, again we

have to reiterate the rules as they stand is that when the referee makes

a decision on the field the video referee has to be certain, has to

have absolutely conclusive evidence to overturn the decision. He missed

the ball! Why can't he say is that a try or not? Then the TMO looks at it

three times and goes yes it is, no, it's not. The TMO said... They have

to make a decision on the 5th. What we see, not that particular

incident, I think we were getting to a point when it was try, they were

handing too many decisions to the video referee. However, going back

to that one, he missed it! If the referee isn't sure, or - why does he

have to make a decision? Go to the video referee and say is it a try or

not? He watches it three or four times and makes a correct decision.

Because you need that initial feel from a referee as to - generally the

first impression whether somebody has scored a try or not. I don't

agree. Well, I don't agree with you! The video referee is there to make

the correct decision. Obviously, he thinks he can't overturn it there

for some reason. I don't understand why. It also encourages poor

decisions from referees, they get lazy because they want up there to

make decisions. It's the same issue. That's all about your job. You don't

have to be less fit. Just for the record if you take the video referee

out of that equation just then, it would have been a try anyway. Yes.

Because the referee on the field thought it was a try. That's where

the video referee says it's not. That's the whole point of the video

referee. There you go. Shall we watch the rugby! 13 minutes left to

play. 26-6. He didn't have anything to prove to overrule the referee on

the field. I am suggesting that he missed that ball by a mile. Are you

in the studio afterwards? Shouldn't be a try. Talk about this in the

studio. We have a game on here. A good game, as well. Whatever the

rights and wrongs of that decision. It would be a better game if he

hadn't given the try. The kick to touch will go. Lovely kick. Just as

a final line on that, it's all about the philosophy of Rugby League.

Scoring tries is about touching the ball down in the goal area. Even if

he got a futer touch on that under the rules it's a try. But should

that rule be changed? You have to have proper control to score a try.

He didn't touch it. Thank you, now you are agreeing with me! That's

what I mean. That's what I am saying. You take that argument out

of it, you have to touch it down properly, he clearly didn't touch it

down properly. Keep digging, Dave, keep digging son! Anyway. 26-6 is

the score. It's Wigan's name going into the hat for the semifinal as it

stands unless Castleford can come up with something miraculous now. They

thought they had a sniff of a hope when Gale scored on the hour mark.

It's still a battle they're willing to fight here. They've been better

in the second half. They have been a lot better, yeah. Minikin trying to

weave a little path through but he can't.

He is going to be a good player, Minikin, he has shown really good

touches. Jewitt let's it go to Dorn. To Gale.

Back to McMeeken. MacShane. MacShane to Milner.

Milner goes one bay and looks the other. Luke Gale again. McMeeken

with a clever little kick but Monaghan always on the stretch to

try and get there. Wigan get the handover. They're certainly trying

everything. You can't doubt Castleford's commitment and effort.

Unfortunately that commitment and effort and bounce of the ball and

all the elements of the game have gone Wigan's way Becausewecan of

their efficiency and their strength. They've a few more strikes runs,

that's where the edge has been today.

Total metres, not a lot in it. Do you understand all of that? I do and

there's not much in if for each time. There is the telling stat,

Wigan have completed really well at a very high rate. Oh! They've a ball

here. Castleford have it back again. That was a zero tackle. Out it comes

to Gale who finds Holmes. Holmes pass is wayward. Solomona will pick

it up. That's been the Achilles heel today, the execution. A wrestle

here. Three to go. Oliver Holmes at dummy

half. He and Smith having a half and half set-to.

Gale looking to launch one. Off the ground to Dorn again.

Gale. Such a familiar passage we are going through here. Castleford

asking questions, not necessarily the right questions at times, but

they have a penalty here. That's it, get him out. The tap is

taken and off go Castleford in search of points again. Massey.

Milner's looked right and left. He is going to go right. MacShane

dodges. Steps off the right foot. Inside ball for Danny Tickle. Has he

got there? The ball has sprung free. Knock-on over the line. Again

desperate defence. It's hard to be overcritical. They've got to chance

their arm. One on one. Just needed... Get it over his head. He

couldn't quite get it over his head. That wasn't a play the ball. But the

referee says interference. Different emotions here today for

Lee Jewitt than a couple of years ago when he scored that effectively

match-winning try to take Castleford closer to Wembley. They went all the

way that year. But they're falling at this hurdle this year. It's Wigan

who are galloping home. It's with Williams.

Williams threatening to cut through. Here is Powell. Smith on his inside

here now. Wigan looking for a clinical finish. The kick ricochets.

That looked forward. Powell again. Oh! Williams has

dropped it this time. Took his eyes off the ball. He was looking to see

what he was going to do before he caught it.

Wigan have been a bit scruffy in the second half. A bit disjointed. They

have been still tough when they've needed to be. Still hasn't got his

80 minutes of football yet. But the first half they were critical.

Castleford in possession again here but time has long since run away

from them. Six minutes to go. There is no way through.

It's Gale, Minikin. Matte Smith can't keep hold bau

couple of his mates there make sure Minikin's progress is halted.

Penalty. And it's all getting a bit overheated here. So, have you picked

your man of the match? Yes, we have. Who is it? It's a bit early. We

think it is that man who just walked out of shot, for his attack and

defence this afternoon, he's done nothing wrong. There's our Ladbrokes

man of the match, Sam Tomkins. Well done to him. You agree? Yes, his

kicking game has been pretty oppressive, kicking long, and a

couple of short ones -- pretty impressive. Some superb defensive

efforts. I just think they've had those players to make the brakes and

scored tries and that's where maybe Castleford have failed, they've

created opportunities but haven't got over the line. That's been the

big difference. Brian Noble temporarily disappeared. He was

tying his shoelaces. I wondered where you were! Patrick Krhin to

push a way through. It hasn't been a classic cup tie -- trying to push.

We had a good occasion, Warrington and Widnes. Three tackles to go.

Tomkins is all over him, Milner. A step by Gale. Third consecutive

tackle by Sam Tomkins. The in-goal area, but guess who comes up with

the ball? Freakish. Manfredi, running it out. Time is

running away. Don't go anywhere, the semifinal draw to come. Hull FC,

Wakefield, Warrington and Wigan. I'll tell you,... I think that Krhin

have been great. They couldn't have given any more. They will reflect on

a couple of things that went against them. -- lighting Castleford have

been great. I think. Dorn showing a bit of his magic.

Although it's slow down a lot, they've kept their defensive line.

Jewitt, running in hard. Milner, at dummy half again. Massey. That is

subtle from him, a little dummy and a shimmy and off he went but Tomkins

met him. Five metres away. McShane again. Desperate not to give

anything up, this Wigan defence. This is the last tackle in the set.

Two and a half minute ago. Over the top. Nearly taken by Manfredi.

Knock-on, so Castleford get another set of six.

Again, great leap. He timed his job very well. Usually when you are the

defending winger and you are standing on the ball, the advantage

is if you are running onto it. He stands back, waiting for the kick

and he times it very well, getting the leap. That's a resigned

Castleford bench, isn't it? They know that their side is beaten and

they have known for a while. Jewitt, they are still looking here.

Still hunting for a try. Get a bit of momentum marked up maybe.

Castleford could leave with something positive, that's the hope.

Not a lot Solomona could do with that. Off-loading butt out of the

tackle, you would have thought. Stolen. I think the touch judge made

that decision. -- off-loading out of the tackle.

A little flick up to Crooks. Running back to the middle. What can he

find? Only the shoulder of O'Loughlin and a couple more

besides. The ball has gone to ground, picked

up by Gale. Out to the right-hand side,

Moynahan! He couldn't get there. Gets it back. And I think that's

going to be a try, is it? No, we are going upstairs, downstairs,

wherever. No try. That is the view of the retreat. Let's get the video

referee again, Robert Hicks. Suddenly the off-load and the

grounding. If we can watch Moynahan with the ball in his hand. And as he

off-loads, see where his feet are -- Monaghan.

So, in field, one-handed. Still in field. I think he's still in field.

Have you got the one from behind the dead-ball line? OK, this is the one,

slowly, please. His feet are in field. And both in the air, still in

the air. And the ball has already been off-loaded, so that will be

play on. Can I have it any slower, can you pause it as he releases the

ball? I'm pretty certain it's OK. He is in field. Both beat in the air

here. Now they are in the air. -- both of his feet. We need to see if

he grounds the ball on the field of play. The try was given life. We

need sufficient evidence to overturn. That's a try. -- given

live. Yeah that's in the field of play. If

that's all we got, I'm happy it is a try.

So, the try has been given. Ben Crooks gets a bit of consolation. It

is a great try, Castleford deserve it from how they've played. I have a

quick question, the referee gave no try. Is that overwhelming evidence

that Monaghan wasn't in touch and then he got the ball down? Here's

Gale from the touchline with the conversion attempt. Has he got it?

He has. 26-12, looks a bit more creditable as far as Castleford are

concerned but they've been well beaten, they are going out. Wigan

have played very, very well. They deserve their place in the

semifinal. In the first half they were exemplary and in the second

half they were good enough. Yeah the first half performance was very,

very good. They tried their best but unfortunately it is the execution of

the finishing which has made the difference today. A couple of missed

tackles by Castleford and they benefited. Deservedly going into the

hat. So, the draw is coming. Let's go down to the touchline and catch

up with Damien Johnson. Shaun Wane, congratulations, through to the

semifinals. Is that the performance you have been looking for? Yes, it

was a good 40 minutes, in the second half we went off the boil but we

were good for the win. The boys in the studio were impressed with the

scramble defence. Credit: Castleford turned up with a game plan,

controlling the ball. The referee allowed it and we have enough. We

need to be better than that. We won't get help from the officials.

They came with a smarter game plan and they stopped us from attacking

our way but I think we were good for the win.

That last try, I know it hasn't been Castleford's day, but the last one

was exceptional. Tell you what, credit to Castleford, great from

Monaghan, going to Crooks and that was a nice way for Castleford to

finish. It has been Wigan's day, hasn't it? It has been, they have

been superior and they scored the points in the first 40 minutes.

Let's go back down because we can hear from Sam Tomkins. Just about

receive the Ladbrokes man of the match champagne. Congratulations,

Sam. What it is it like to be scoring in a Challenge Cup winning

Wigan team? It is good, it is a special competition and it means a

lot to us. A lot of us have experienced it before, so we know

how good it is, winning at Wembley. What was the key today? I think it

was completing, we completed 100%. We know that Castleford are a good

team. The first half, we were good. Second half, we were scrappy for 20

minutes. Well done, Sam. Cheers. Wigan have booked their place in the

semifinal alongside Wakefield, Warrington and Hull FC. We will have

the semifinal draw on the red button and the Forum coming up shortly, on

the website, on the app and connected TV.

We will also bring it to your website plenty more sport to come.

It is a very busy day. Well done to Wigan. It has been quite an

afternoon for them. Commiserations to Castleford. We will have the draw

for the semifinal on the red button shortly. Four teams waiting to find

out who they will be playing, with just one more game to get to

Wembley. Quite an afternoon, these three will get more reaction and we

will have more reaction from the teams. Why now, turn over to the red

button and we will be with you shortly.