Castleford shook the Wigan fans with the first score, after just 7 mins. Scrum half Mike Ford sent a high kick into the right corner and Richard Gay out-jumped Jason Robinson, palmed the ball back for Barrie-Jon Mather, for him to fall over the line. Defence continued to dominate the game and excellent defence it was too, as neither team were able to break the line.

A mistake by Tigers' full back Jason Flowers led to the first Warriors' try on 30 mins. Andy Farrell sent up a huge high kick which Flowers failed to field, Henry Paul was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score an easy try.

The Warriors led 6 - 4 at the end of the first half and both coaches would have been pleased with the efforts of their players.

Wigan started the second half the stronger, but still could not find a way through the Castelford defence, who were tackling absolutely everything. The Warriors' forwards broke the deadlock on 54 mins, with a huge drive up the field, that eventually led to Tony Smith crossing whilst the Tigers' defence was in disarray.

The conditions were rapidly deteriorating by now, with surface water lying on the field and this was leading to numerous ball-handling errors from both teams. As the game progressed, the Warriors' forwards were taking control, but it was not until the final minute, when Tony Smith scored his second try, were they home, but definitely not dry.

Wigan had to dig deep for this victory and if this is to be the standard of Super League this season, then roll on next week.

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©1998, Richard Bailey, Matthew Webb