DESPITE a second-half fightback, Warrington Wolves were beaten in their return to Super League action.
A late drop goal from former Wire man Gareth Widdop allowed Castleford Tigers to secure a priceless victory in their battle to avoid the drop, with Jack Broadbent adding late gloss with another try.
However, Daryl Powell’s men missed the chance to go back to the top of Super League despite hauling back a 14-point half-time deficit.
Two Matty Ashton tries and one from Connor Wrench had the visitors level going into the final 10 minutes, but the hosts made the decisive push for victory.
Another error-strewn first half saw Warrington struggling, with Widdop kicking three penalties to go with tries from Will Tate and Jason Qareqare.
The match was the first time The Wire have had to deal without England captain Williams this season, with Stefan Ratchford partnering Peter Mata'utia in the halves in his place.
More reaction to follow
> THE MORNING AFTER: Unpicking another costly loss
> Everything Daryl Powell said in reaction to loss at Castleford
> UPDATE: Powell details Williams injury and Ratchford HIA result
> WIRE SOCIAL: What fans are saying in reaction to Castleford defeat
> Re-live all the action from the Mend-A-Hose Jungle as it happened
Match facts:
Super League, Round 16
Friday, June 23, 2023
Castleford Tigers...23 Warrington Wolves...14
Tigers: Gareth Widdop; Will Tate, Alex Mellor, Jordan Turner, Jason Qareqare; Jack Broadbent, Jacob Miller; Liam Watts, Nathan Massey, George Griffin, Kenny Edwards, Alex Sutcliffe, Joe Westerman. Subs: Muizz Mustapha, Cain Robb, Brad Martin, Sam Hall
Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Connor Wrench, Greg Minikin, Matty Ashton; Peter Mata'utia, Stefan Ratchford; Gil Dudson, Danny Walker, Paul Vaughan, James Harrison, Ben Currie, Joe Philbin. Subs: Daryl Clark, Sam Kasiano, Joe Bullock, Matty Russell
Scoring: Widdop penalty, 6mins, 2-0; Tate try, 8mins, 6-0; Widdop penalty, 20mins, 8-0; Widdop penalty, 27mins, 10-0; Qareqare try, 34mins, 14-0; Ashton try, 47mins, 14-4; Ashton try, 61mins, Mata'utia goal, 14-10; Wrench try, 68mins, 14-14; Widdop drop goal, 73mins, 15-14; Broadbent try, 77mins, Widdop goal, 21-14; Widdop penalty, 80mins, 23-14
Penalties: Tigers 9 Wolves 9
Sin bin: Harrison (5mins, dangerous tackle)
Referee: Marcus Griffiths
Attendance: 6,066
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