Wolves tear Cas apart

Joel Monaghan, Brett Hodgson and Ryan Atkins scored two tries apiece as Warrington coasted to a comfortable 10-try victory over Castleford.

Warrington led 38-0 at half-time before taking their foot off the gas to spare the Tigers a heavier defeat, eventually winning 54-6.

Cas, who conceded 110 points in two league defeats by Warrington last season, were missing Rangi Chase, Richie Owen and goalkicker Kirk Dixon, calling up Academy winger Josh Atkinson to bolster their numbers.

The Tigers then suffered an early blow with Nick Youngquest forced off in a daze after only two minutes.

Bridge opener

Wolves had a Chris Bridge try disallowed after three minutes for a double movement, but he did not take long to open Warrington's account with a long-range try after taking Lee Briers' pass straight from a scrum.

Hodgson's conversion made it 6-0 and he then added the extras to Trent Waterhouse's effort after the Aussie forward outjumped the Cas defence to collect Briers' kick after 13 minutes.

Cas faced an uphill task which became even tougher when Mickey Higham and Briers sent Joel Monaghan crashing through poor defence to open up an 18-0 lead midway through the first half.

Bridge was a constant threat to the Tigers with his smart play sending Monaghan over for a second try in three minutes.

The Tigers did manage to cross the line through Ryan McGoldrick but the try was disallowed by referee Robert Hicks.

It was no surprise when Warrington added a fifth try as Hodgson finished off a slick handling move but missed his second conversion.

Breakaway

Hodgson finished in style two minutes later with Chris Riley's electrifying burst creating the chance for the Aussie to score and land the goal.

Warrington even had time to add another try via Atkins' breakaway to make it 38-0 at the break.

Lee Mitchell, on a season's loan from Warrington, saved a try chasing back to stop Briers early in the second half, before Briers hobbled off after the tackle as a precaution for Saturday's cup-tie against Bradford.

Atkins was denied another score by determined defence as Cas showed more fight after the interval, it taking Warrington until the 56th minute to add to their tally with Atkins bagging his second try.

Cas finally breached the Wolves defence when Mitchell plunged over from Danny Orr's short pass.

But Warrington finished with a flourish adding late tries from Riley and Grix.