Valiant Vikings Punish Wasteful Warriors

Wigan's away woes in 2014 extended tonight as they fell to a 14 point defeat away to Widnes.

The Warriors included the fit again duo of Michael McIlorum and Iain Thonrley as they looked to close the gap on table toppers St Helens. 

A mixed start from both sides saw Widnes open the scoring in the sixth minute when a superb run from Patrick Ah Van saw him race clear down the wing for a try in the corner with Danny Tickle converting for a 6-0 lead. 

Wigan's 'penalty machine' of 2014 lived up to his past as GIl Dudson conceded a penalty close to his own line and Danny Tickle duly converted for 8-0.

Widnes reached double figures inside 13 minutes as In great space on the wing, Paddy Flynn crossed for an easy try and with Danny Tickle converting for 14-0, Wigan needed the next score to stay in the game. 

Wigan looked to respond but just metres from the Widnes line, Dan Sarginson lost the ball under a heavy tackle. Widnes blew a great chance at the other end as an aerial pass to the wing flew through the grasp of Patricl Ah Van with the try line in sight. 

A succession of penalties put Wigan in a good position and coupled with a run from Sean O'Loughlin, a nice set ended  with Dom Manfredi crossing for a try but a tough angle saw Matty Smith unable to convert at 14-4.

The try seemed to ignite the Warriors charge as they crossed again just three minutes later as a pinpoint kick from Blake Green glided into the arms of Josh Charnley who touched down for a fine try. However, the score remained 14-10 as Matty Smith was unable to convert. 

Wigan looked to have levelled just before half-time as Josh Charnley went over but was held up in goal so 14-10 at the interval.

However, Wigan suffered a blow in only the third minute of the second half when Patrick Ah Van controversially scored his second try as he did so after shoving a Warriors defended out of the way. Danny Tickle converted and Widnes led 20-10. 

Wigan went down to 12 as a heavy tackle from Liam Farrell floored kicker Joe Mellor with the Wigan forward sent to the sin-bin. 

Widnes advanced and were awarded another penalty which Danny TIckle converted for 22-10 and despite 30 minutes remaining, Wigan needed a  'Lazarus' type of comeback to avoid defeat. 

Another penalty for Widnes and another successful convaerion as the lead moved to 24-10.

Wigan tried to respond but to no avail as they slipped to their fifth away defeat of the season and will be glad to be at home for the final two games as Leeds and Warrington visit the DW Stadium. 

 

Super League Round 25 Preview

Just two rounds remain of what has been an exciting and unpredictable Super League 19 and for the first time in a long time, the top eight is still to be confirmed as round 25 comes around.

Thursday night sees a heavyweight clash between Warrington and Huddersfield with both still harbouring hopes of claiming the League Leaders Shield.

Warrington go into the game on the back of a comfortable win over Castleford and with three wins in their last five games are in good form at the right time of the season but in having the advantage of playing ahead of their rivals, they will be keen to move up to second place. 

Huddersfield go into the game on the back of a home win against Widnes and with four wins in a row from their last five games have secured a top six finish but with just four points separating them from the top, the chance of retaining the League Leaders Shield is still a fair prospect.

Last season's meeting at the Halliwell Jones Stadium saw Warrington ease to a 28-2 win which formed part one of a four game winning run over the Giants in 2013 which included a 44-24 home win in the Challenge Cup and 30-22 win in the end of season play-offs. The reverse meeting earlier this season saw Warrington win 33-14 putting them on course for a double over the Giants.

Warrington welcome back Richie Myler and Gene Ormsby with Ben Currie also returning with the injured Chris Bridge and Simon Grix missing out while Huddersfield will be without Joe Wardle and Brett Ferres who suffered late injuries with Leroy Cudjoe and David Faiumu included

Warrington Wolves: Atkins, Currie, England, R. Evans, Grix, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Myler, O'Brien, Ormsby, Ratchford, Russell, Waterhouse, Westwood, Wood.
Huddersfield Giants: Grix, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, Murphy, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Lunt, Kopczak, Ferres, Bailey, Lawrence, Patrick, Faiumu, Ta'ai, Broughton, Kaufusi, Mullally.

This will be a close one but I tip Warrington to edge a win so Warrington 30 Huddersfield 24.

Friday night features three games with the standout tie being table toppers St Helens travelling to third placed Leeds with the Rhinos buoyant after claiming the Challenge Cup.

Leeds go into the game in a great mood after defeating Castleford in the Challenge Cup final last Saturday and will be keen to secure an illusive treble but despite their fine cup form, their league form is mixed with just two wins in their last five games with the last loss coming away to London.

St Helens sit atop the Super League but will be wary of letting the lead slip so late in the season but with four wins in their last five games they will be in a confident mood as they look for a first League Leaders Shield since 2008.

Last season's meeting at Headingley saw St Helens secure a 30-22 win but they lost out 11-10 in the play-offs to the Rhinos who will be hoping secure a second win at home to the Saints in 2014 after defeating them 32-12 in the Challenge Cup fifth round after suffering a 14-10 defeat in the league meeting at Langtree Park.

Leeds include Mitch Achurch and Brad Singleton in the squad while St Helens welcome back Lance Hohaia but are without Gary Wheeler.

Leeds Rhinos: Hardaker, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Aiton, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Achurch, Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Singleton.

St Helens: Makinson, Turner, Jones, Swift, Hohaia, Masoe, Roby, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Soliola, Manu, Laffranchi, Flanagan, Amor, Wellens, Walmsley, Percival, Dawson, Richards, McDonnell.

Another heavyweight clash and I see a narrow win for Leeds so Leeds 22 St Helens 20.

Another huge game sees the Hull derby between Hull FC and Hull KR with both still harbouring hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Hull FC go into the game on the back of a defeat to Bradford and with only a win and a draw in their last five games are keen to end the season on a high with a win over their fierce rivals while also boosting their slim hopes of a top eight finish.

Hull KR go into the game after suffering a comeback from Wigan who claimed a draw in the previous round and with just one win and a draw from their last five games are in similar form to their city rivals but sit just two points away from eighth placed Widnes who have a poorer points difference.

Last season's meeting at the KC Stadium saw the Robins secure a 23-10 victory and form is with them after three wins in the last five meetings between the sides including a 38-24 win at the Magic Weekend after 21-20 win at Easter.

Hull FC include Aaron Heremaia in place of Jordan Abdull with Jordan Thompson as Richard Whiting misses out while Hull KR include Mick Weyman, Omari Caro and Kris Weham with Ben Cockayne, Rhys Lovegrove and Sonny Esslemont missing out. 

Hull FC: Bowden, Cunningham, Ellis, Green, Hadley, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Lineham, Paea, Paleaaesina, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Yeaman.

Hull KR: Burns, Carlile, Caro, Chan, Costigan, Cox, Eden, Gardner, Green, Hall, Hodgson, Horne, Keating, Larroyer, Netherton, Salter, Walker, Welham, Weyman. 

A fiesty game on the cards but I see the Robins coming out on top so Hull FC 18 Hull KR 26.

Friday's third game sees champions Wigan travel to Widnes in a game where both teams will be eager for a win in order to keep up their end of season hopes.

Widnes go into the game on the back of a defeat to Huddersfield which means they are still not guaranteed a place in top eight and with three teams within four points of them a win is sorely needed after just two in their last five games.

Wigan go into the game on the back of securing a last-gasp draw against Hull KR and with their sketchy away form this year they will be happy this game is their last away trip of the regular season but with three wins in their last five games are in good form.

Last season's meeting at the Select Security Stadium saw a youthful Wigan side secure a 33-32 victory as part of a Warriors treble that included the dispatch of the Vikings on their way to their Challenge Cup triumph. The reverse meeting earlier this season saw Wigan ease to a 48-4 victory in a week where both sides played three times.

Widnes include Alex Gerrard and Cameron Phelps in place of Paul Johnson and Jack Owens while Wigan welcome back Michael McIlorum and Iain Thornley back from long-term injuries while U19's star Jamie Doran is also included.

Widnes Vikings: Ah Van, Allen, Brown, Cahill, Carberry, Clarke, Dean, Flynn, Galea, Gerrard, Hanbury, Joseph, Leuluai, Marsh, Mellor, O'Carroll, Phelps, Tickle, White.
Wigan Warriors: Bateman, Charnley, Clubb, Crosby, Doran, Dudson, Farrell, Gelling, Green, Hughes, James, Manfredi, McIlorum, O'Loughlin, Pettybourne, Sarginson, Smith, Taylor, Thornley. 

Wigan have been average on recent visits to Widnes but I see them coming out strong this time around so Widnes 16 Wigan 36.

Saturday sees London look for back-to-back wins as they travel to face Catalan in Perpignan with Dragons still not guaranteed a place in the top eight.

Catalan go into the game with just one win in their last five games and are in danger of slipping out of what a month a go looked like a cemented seventh place with them coming off the back of a defeat to top eight rivals Salford.

London for the first time in 2014 go into a game on the back of a win as they stunned Leeds with a fight back in the previous round to end their season-long losing streak and having come close against the Dragons twice this season will look to go that extra bit further to claim a win.

Last season's meeting in Perpignan saw Catalan secure a 34-28 win as part of a league double over the Broncos and earlier this season they have recorded three wins in a row against London with the reverse league meeting resulting in a 28-22 win coupled with a 24-22 victory at the Magic Weekend and a 40-24 win in the Challenge Cup fourth round.

On form this should be a close one but Catalan's home form may be a big factor in their favour so Catalan 24 London 16.

Sunday features the final two games of the round but alike the others they could have a huge effect both on the top and bottom of the play-off places. Wakefield host Salford with both sides level on 19 points and just four away from the top eight with the potential loser all but out of the play-off fight.

Wakefield go into the game on the back of a defeat away to St Helens but with two wins in their last five games they will be eager to end a run of two defeats while boosting their hopes of finishing in the top eight.

Salford go into the game buoyed by a win over Catalan and with three wins in their last five games will be confident of reaching the play-offs at such a late stage of the season but will be wary of the Wildcats good form at home this season.

Last season's meeting at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium saw the sides draw 23-23 but Wakefield have won three of the last five meetings between the sides but Salford were the victors when the sides met earlier this season in the reverse meeting at the AJ Bell Stadium with an 18-14 triumph.

A close game on the cards in this one and I feel a draw could be on the cards so Wakefield 22 Salford 22.

Castleford return home after suffering defeat in the Challenge Cup final to host relegated Bradford who have been in fine form since confirming their relegation.

Castleford go into the game on the back of a 23-10 defeat to Leeds in last weekend's Challenge Cup final and with just two wins in their last five league games are in need of a bounce back to form if they are to secure a top four finish.

Bradford go into the game on the back of three straight wins ironically their last defeat was the one against Huddersfield which confirmed their drop into next season's Championship and will be keen to register a fourth successive win in order to end the season on a high.

Last season's meeting at The Jungle saw the Tigers secure a 46-34 victory and in this season's reverse meeting they claimed a 36-16 win but a good omen for the Bulls is that neither side has won both games in the last three seasons.

Castleford's woe at Wembley could see a backlash for the visiting Bulls so Castleford 28 Bradford 16.

 
  

 

 

Rhinos End Cup Final Hoodoo

After a great season so far in the competition, Saturday saw the first all Yorkshire Challenge Cup final of this century as Castleford took on Leeds with both looking to end long gaps since their last capture of the famous trophy.

Leeds made a perfect start in their bid to prevent a seventh successive defeat in the final as Kallum Watkins picked out Tom Briscoe out on the wing who crossed for a try with Kevin Sinfield converting successfully for a 6-0 lead inside five minutes.

Castleford responded well and reduced the arrears in the 12th minute when they were awarded a penalty right on the Leeds line with the set culminating in a superb kick from Marc Sneyd with Daryl Clark collecting the ball for a try. The decision went to a video review and was quickly given but a tough angle saw Marc Sneyd unable to convert at 6-4.

The Tigers were caught out just five minutes later when a high kick from Rob Burrow resulted in a superb collection from Danny McGuire who crossed for a try which Kevin Sinfield duly converted for a 12-4 lead.

Leeds went into the interval with a 12 point lead after a 25th minute try from Ryan Hall that saw him bulldoze his way over the line aided by the barrier of a Castleford defender increased their lead and despite Kevin Sinfield missing for the first time, the score at half-time was 16-4.

Castleford bounced back early in the second half with a great dash and pass from Michael Shenton finding Oliver Holmes who raced over for a well-worked try and Liam Finn converted successfully for 16-10. Leeds regained their 12 point lead with 13 minutes remaining as Ryan Hall battled over the line and as Kevin Sinfield looked to convert his effort his both posts before crossing successfully for 22-10.

The gloss on the win came with four minutes remaining as Danny McGuire swept over a drop goal for 23-10 to secure a first Challenge Cup triumph since 1999 and end a run of six successive defeats in the final which saw Ryan Hall names as the Lance Todd trophy winner for man of the match.

2014 Challenge Cup Final Preview

A trip to Wembley  during the August bank holiday weekend is the dream of every rugby league fan but this year, there will be more than just dreams fulfilled at the hallowed home of English football as the 2014 Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday features a Yorkshire derby.

Rugby league is famous for derbies with all but two Super League teams taking part in the adrenaline filled meetings on a regular basis but when it comes to the Challenge Cup final, a derby meeting is rare with the last derby back in 2005 when Hull defeated Leeds 25-24 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.  

This weekend’s face-off between Castleford and Leeds will be the first Wembley derby since 1991 when Wigan and St Helens met but the wait for an all-Yorkshire meeting at the national stadium dates back to 1986 ironically the year of Castleford’s last success in the competition when the triumphed 15-14 over Hull Kingston Rovers.

1986 is a year that many Tigers fans have had at the forefront of their thoughts during this season’s run in the competition as a good omen with the triumph over Wigan on the path their last cup win being replicated in this season’s last eight which saw another omen drift in as when the Warriors and Tigers have met in the competition, the victor has gone on to lift the trophy.  After leaving the DW with a 16-4 win back in June, fans of both sides instantly said it would be ‘The year of the Tiger’ and Castleford are just 80 minutes away from fulfilling such a premonition. 

Aside from the quarter-final win at Wigan, Castleford have had a fairly easy run to the final which started right back in early April with a trip to Championship side Batley Bulldogs and saw the Tigers roar to a 48-10 win which they followed up in round 5 with a stunning 60-16 victory at home to Championship side Sheffield Eagles. The aforementioned quarter-final over Wigan proved to be their toughest test as they triumphed 16-4 at rain-soaked DW Stadium in early June. 

The semi-final draw was kind to the Tigers who avoided the big two of Leeds and Warrington as they took on fellow Super League side Widnes Vikings at Leigh Sports Village and secured their first Wembley appearance in 22 years with a comfortable 28-6 victory. Saturday’s showpiece meeting is a fairy-tale for Castleford but for Leeds it could be the extension of a nightmare run in the final as the Rhinos make the trip to Wembley on the back of six consecutive defeats.

It is hard to believe that with visits to Murrayfield, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium in the last 15 years that Leeds have only come away with the trophy just once as they triumphed 52-16 over London Broncos back in 1999. The Rhinos looked on course to retain the trophy in 2000 at Murrayfield before suffering 24-18 defeat to neighbours Bradford in the first of two losses to the Bulls with the second just three years later at the Millennium Stadium in a 22-20 loss. 

The Rhinos followed that up with another defeat to a fellow Yorkshire side when as mentioned earlier they lost out to Hull in 2005 which saw a break of five years before they reached the final again but the sadly their bad run continued as in three consecutive trips to Wembley from 2010-2012 they left as the losing side with a 28-18 defeat to Wigan sandwiched by heavy defeats to Warrington losing 30-6 and 35-18 respectively.

The omens of meeting a fellow Yorkshire side sadly do not bode well for the Rhinos given that of their six losses since 1999; three have been against fellow Yorkshire sides but having not met Castleford before in the final there is the chance to start a new piece of history in a positive manner.

Aside from the weight of their poor form on their shoulders, this season’s run to the final for Leeds has been far from an easy one having met fellow Super League sides in three of their four games. Their debut in this season’s competition began back in early April with a trip to fellow Super league side Wakefield which resulted in a 60-6 demolition of the Wildcats which they followed up in round 5 with a fierce tie against St Helens at Headingley which saw them eventually triumph 32-12. 

The quarter final draw looked to have been kind to the Rhinos as they were drawn at home to Championship leaders Leigh Centurions but in what will go down as one of the ties of the season, they were made to work very hard for a win in a game that saw Leigh not only open the scoring but lead 12-6 before going on to lose 25-16 in a battling night at Headingley. 

The semi-final draw could not have been worse for the Rhinos as they were drawn to face the foes of their last Wembley defeat in the shape of Warrington at Langtree Park. A stunning game saw the Rhinos come out on top in a 24-16 win and in dispatching the upsets of 2010 and 2012; confidence for Saturday is high as they take on a common enemy in Castleford.

As a neutral for only the second time in four years, it is kind of nice to be able to preview a final that will hold no nerves on a personal level but as a Warrior, I graced the quarter final between Wigan and Castleford and though I left the DW Stadium upset at Wigan’s exit, I was in awe of Castleford both on and off the pitch. 

 

Departing the stadium, I walked past a group of joyous Tigers fans and even said “I think this maybe your year you know” but little did I know that they would end up just 80 minutes away from fulfilling that prediction so I suppose in that term I am edged more towards Castleford than Leeds which is also proven in the prediction of 24-20 to Castleford.

This preview was written after a suggestion from @seriousaboutrl and can be found on their website at Serious About Rugby League.

Battling Broncos Stun Rhinos

The excitement and unpredictability of Super League XIX continued this weekend as the season rolled through round 24.

Late Warriors Charge Denies Robins

After a fortnight without a game, Wigan made the long trip across the Pennines to face a Hull KR side still with hopes of a top- eight finish. The Warriors traditionally start games on the front foot and despite the slippery surface, they continued that trend as Matt Bowen picked out Dan Sarginson who crossed for a try inside two minutes.

However, Richard Silverwood elected for a video review and after a number of replays, the try was successfully awarded but a tough angle meant Matty Smith was unable to convert as Wigan led 4-0 but Hull KR should have drawn level five minutes later when a nice passing set found Ade Gardner but the winger was unable to collect the ball cleanly and knocked-on just metres from the Wigan try line.

The Robins did draw level after a dangerous grubber kick from Kris Keating bounced in the in-goal area and was touched down by Craig Hall and despite Richard Silverwood electing for a video review, the try was awarded after a few replays but Travis Burns was unable to convert meaning the sides remained level at 4-4.

Wigan looked to regain the lead and a fine run from Liam Farrell through the Robins defence put Wigan in good field position and the next play saw Matty Smith sent a dangerous kick forward which after after a pass from Anthony Gelling saw Josh Charnley cross for a try but Richard Silverwood elected for a video review and the try was denied as Josh Charnley appeared to have been offside in the build-up to the try.

Hull KR capitalised on the 'No Try' for the Warriors by racing down the field and taking the lead after a nice passing play found Jason Chan who crossed for a try and a good angle allowed Travis Burns to convert to open up a 10-4 lead for the Robins into half-time.

Both sides came close in their next few sets with testing grubbers failing to cause trouble but a costly drop from Matt Bowen close to the Robins line saw Jason Chan break clear and looking on for a certain try until a superb chase back from George Williams denied the try.

However, Chan's pacy run had put KR in a great field position and a pass out wide in the next play saw Ben Cockayne cross for an easy try which saw Travis Burns unable to convert leaving the score at 14-4. Wigan looked to be in with a great chance of reducing the deficit when Anthony Gelling found Josh Charnley but unfortunately it was via a forward pass.

Wigan did close the gap with eight minutes to go as Blake Green side-stepped through the Robins defence before spraying a superb offload to Warriors captain Sean O'Loughlin who went over near the uprights for a fine try and created an easy conversion for Matty Smith who setup a tense finish at 14-10.

Tension was high between both sets of fans going into the final minutes but with just seconds left of the 80 minutes, Wigan drew level in amazing circumstances as a dash forward from Anthony Gelling saw him offload out wide to wing partner Josh Charnley who dived over for a try that caused a raucous celebration from the travelling fans in the Colin Hutton stand which put the score at 14-14.

All eyes focused on Matty Smith who had the chance to complete a superb comeback with a touchline conversion and hearts were in the mouths of both sets of fans as he swept the ball forward but the curl saw the ball miss the uprights by just inches and the mood was a strange one as the game came to an end with the sides both claiming a point at 14-14. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 16-28.

Wolves Pounce On Tigers Gamble

Ahead of their first Challenge Cup final appearance in 22 years, Castleford sent a mixed side to take on top four rivals Warrington.

Castleford looked to have made a perfect start when Scott Wheeldon crossed for a try inside four minutes but after a video review, the try was chalked off and it proved to be a costly decision as the resulting set saw Ryan Atkins cross for the Wolves and with Chris Bridge converting , Warrington led 6-0.

Warrington improved their lead with two tries in six minutes with the first a superb move as Michael Monaghan's dash and offload found Gareth O'Brien who crossed for a try with Chris Bridge converting before following up with a converted try of his own for a 18-0 lead. Castleford responded with a try of their own four minutes later as a stunning effort from James Clare in the corner reduced the deficit but the acute angle saw Liam Finn fail to convert at 18-4.

The Tigers started the second half better than the first as they reached double figures with a try from Oliver Holmes with a Liam Finn conversion taking them to 18-10 but Warrington ruined the Tigers fightback in devastating fashion with three efforts in 12 minutes with Rhys Evans, Anthony England and Stefan Ratchford all crossing with the latter converting all three for 36-10 after Chris Bridge had gone off injured.

Castleford attempted to get back in the game but their all out attack proved costly as Warrington confirmed the win with two tries in the final 10 minutes with Joel Monaghan crossing before Rhys Evans crossed for his second of the evening with the gloss on the win sealed after Stefan Ratchford converted both for a final score of 48-10. A correct result and not to far off with the prediction of 32-20.

Saints Move Clear At The Top

St Helens improved their chances of claiming the League Leaders Shield with a comfortable win over a Wakefield side still with slim hopes of reaching the top eight. The hosts took an early lead after Tommy Makinson continued his superb scoring form in 2014 with a try inside three minutes and with Mark Percival adding the conversion for 6-0.

Wakefield looked to respond but instead fell further behind in the 26th minute when Josh Jones crossed for a try and with Mark Percival converting for a second time, Saints led 12-0 and looked to carry the lead into the half-time interval but saw their lead halved when Danny Washbrook scored for the Wildcats just before the break and with Jarrod Sammut converting, the score moved to 12-6 at the mid-point.

St Helens made a perfect start to the second half as Shannon McDonnell marked his debut with a try just seconds after the interval and with Mark Percival converting for 18-6, the Wildcats needed a good response and delivered in the 51st minute as Richard Owen crossed for their second try of the evening but a failure to convert from Jarrod Sammut left them behind at 18-10.

Wakefield's hopes of staging a comeback suffered a trio of blows as St Helens took control of the game in the space of 12 minutes with Sia Soliola crossing ahead of second efforts of the evening for Shannon McDonnell and Josh Jones with Mark Percival converting all three for 36-10.

St Helens scoring spree ended in the 70th minute when Lee Gilmour crossed for a try against his former side and with Jarrod Sammut converting for 36-16, Wakefield still had a chance of staging a shock but right at the end, Tommy Makinson confirmed the win with his second try of the game with Mark Percival converting for a final score of 40-16. A correct result and reasonably close with the prediction of 32-22.

Locke The Key For Salford

Salford kept up their hopes of sneaking into the top eight with a comfortable win over a Catalan side who are in danger of slipping out of the top eight.

The travelling Dragons made the better start of the two sides with Micheal Oldfield crossing for the opening try inside five minutes but with Thomas Bosc failing to convert, the lead was slim at 4-0 but Salford bounced back with two tries in four minutes with Kevin Locke and Junior Sa'u crossing with the Red Devils fullback converting both for a 12-4 lead.

Locke continued his superb start to the evening with his second try just before the half-hour mark before converting for 18-4, a lead that looked to be lasting into half-time until Niall Evalds struck for the hosts and Kevin Locke converted for a personal tally of 16 points in the first half with the score 22-4 at the break.

Catalan responded well in the second half and reduced the deficit just five minutes into the period with Greg Mounis crossing for a try with Thomas Bosc converting for 22-10 before Theo Fages improved the hosts lead with a try in the 50th minute with Rangi Chase converting for 28-10.

Salford took control of the game on the hour mark as Tony Puletua crossed for a try and with Rangi Chase converting for 34-10, it gave the Dragons a lot of work in order to avoid a defeat and such progress began with eight minutes remaining when Vincent Duport crossed and Thomas Bosc converted for 34-16.

Catalan did have the last say on the game despite Salford sealing the win as Ian Henderson crossed for a try with two minutes left of the 80 and Thomas Bosc converted for a final score of 34-22. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 18-26.

Battling Broncos Stun Rhinos

After seeing fellow Challenge Cup finalists Castleford fail ahead of next week's meeting, Leeds also fell foul of a mixed focus as they blew a comfortable lead away to London which saw a stunning Broncos comeback end their losing run with a first win of 2014. 

Leeds raced into a 14-0 lead inside 13 minutes with tries from Kallum Watkins, Josh Walters and Liam Sutcliffe which when added to by a single conversion from Zak Hardaker began thoughts of a heavy defeat for the hosts.

However, London bounced back superbly with two tries in the space of three minutes with Jordan Atkins and Joe Keyes crossing for the hosts but Josh Drinkwater's failure to convert either effort put the score at 14-8.

Leeds responded with a try from Mitch Achurch just after half hour with Liam Sutcliffe taking over the kicking duties with instant success for 20-8, a lead that increased just before the interval as Zak Hardaker crossed for a try and despite no resulting conversion, Leeds led 24-8 at the halfway point.

London needed a quick response to stay in the game but suffered an early blow in the second half as Liam Sutcliffe crossed for his second try of the afternoon and added a conversion for a 22 point lead at 30-8. However, London responded very well with two tries in four minutes as Kieran Dixon and Mike McMeeken crossed to the joy of the home fans whose delight increased as Josh Drinkwater converted both efforts for 30-20.

Leeds dented London's comeback charge as Mitch Achurch claimed his second try of the afternoon and with Liam Sutcliffe converting for 36-20, another Leeds score would surely end any hopes of a second Broncos comeback. However, the next score came in favour of the hosts as Scott Moore scored a try on the hour and with Josh Drinkwater converting for 36-26, thoughts of a shock comeback began to creep into the minds of the Broncos faithful.

A huge factor in London's poor form in 2014 has been that when they have laid the foundations of a comeback, they have failed to further the progress into a positive result and with 70 minutes on the clock, the trend seemed to be continuing. Joe Keyes had been a shining light for Broncos across the afternoon but he went even further with two stunning tries in as many minutes as he completed a superb hat-trick in the 73rd minute.

Keyes' double not only reduced the deficit but with Josh Drinkwater successfully converting both, London's comeback was complete as they led 38-36 with just six minutes remaining and thoughts of a first win were at the forefront of the minds of the home fans.

The clock ticked into the final minute and London were awarded a penalty in a good position and elected to kick for goal with thoughts drifting back to their late error at the Magic Weekend against Catalan which cost them a draw as they turned down a kick at goal. This time around, Josh Drinkwater converted the penalty successfully to move the score to 40-36 and surely seal a famous win.

However, Leeds have been famous this season for late charges and when Kallum Watkins raced over for a try, London's joy looked to be dashed but after a discussion between the officials, Watkins second effort was denied as he had been deemed to enter touch in the build-up and as a result, London celebrated their first win of the season, one that will live long in the memories of the Super League. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 18-30.

Giants Dent Vikings Hopes

Huddersfield boosted their hopes of a top four finish with a win over a Widnes side who as a result are still not safe in the top eight. The hosts opened the scoring inside seven minutes when Larne Patrick crossed for the first try of the afternoon with Danny Brough converting for a 6-0 lead.

Widnes responded well and drew level in the 21st minute when Danny Tickle crossed for a try before successfully converting his own effort to level the score at 6-6 but Widnes looked to be going into the break in front as Danny Tickle's penalty in the 37th minute put them in front at 8-6. However the lead fell just before the interval as Joe Wardle crossed for the hosts and with Danny Brough converting they led 12-8.

A cagey second half saw the sides separated by just four points until the 64th minute when Jermaine McGillvary extended Huddersfield's lead with a try and despite Danny Brough failing to convert, the score moved to 16-8 and the Giants looked to be in control when Anthony Kaufusi registered an effort in the 70th minute and with Danny Brough converting for 22-8, the hosts looked to be on for the win.

Widnes had other ideas as Rhys Hanbury crossed for a try just three minutes later and with Danny Tickle converting for 22-14, the Vikings still had hopes of a comeback but such hopes were dashed with a minute to go as Shaun Lunt confirmed the win for the Giants with a try that Danny Brough converted for a final score of 28-14. A correct result and reasonable prediction of 36-20.

Bulls Dent FC's Top Eight Hopes

Bradford's good form since their relegation continued as they secured a narrow win over Hull who now look likely to miss out on the top eight as a result.

The visitors went ahead inside five minutes when Jamie Shaul crossed for the afternoon's opening try and with Joe Westerman converting, Hull led 6-0 but increased their lead 13 minutes later when Gareth Ellis crossed for a try and with Joe Westerman converting the lead became 12-0. Bradford bounced back well with two tries in nine minutes before the interval with Jamie Foster and Joe Arundel crossing with the former converting both for 12-10.

Bradford started the second half just as well as they had ended the first with Adam Sidlow putting them in front with a try in the 44th minute followed by a conversion from Jamie Foster for 16-12 before Joe Arundel claimed his second effort of the afternoon just four minutes later with Jamie Foster's conversion taking them to 22-12. 

The hosts extended their lead to 28-12 as Jay Pitts crossed for a try against his parent club with Jamie Foster converting successfully before Hull hit back with Gareth Ellis crossing for his second effort of the afternoon with Joe Westerman converting for 28-18.

Bradford looked to be in control with 10 minutes to go as Danny Addy crossed for a try and with Jamie Foster converting successfully, the Bulls led 34-18 but they were made to work for the win as Hull posted two late efforts as Setaimata Sa and Tom Lineham both crossed with a single conversion from two attempts from Joe Westerman resulting in a final score of 34-28. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 18-20.
 

Late Warriors Charge Denies Robins

After a fortnight without a game, Wigan made the long trip across the Pennines to face a Hull KR side still with hopes of a top- eight finish.

Wigan welcomed back former Robins half-back Blake Green to the starting line-up after a long period on the injury list dating back to the Magic Weekend with Eddy Pettybourne also returning on the bench. The Warriors traditionally start games on the front foot and despite the slippery surface, they continued that trend as Matt Bowen picked out Dan Sarginson who crossed for a try inside two minutes.

However, Richard Silverwood elected for a video review and after a number of replays, the try was successfully awarded but a tough angle meant Matty Smith was unable to convert as Wigan led 4-0 but Hull KR should have drawn level five minutes later when a nice passing set found Ade Gardner but the winger was unable to collect the ball cleanly and knocked-on just metres from the Wigan try line.

The Robins came close again a few minutes later when a pacy passing play saw Craig Hall close in on the Wigan line but a knock-on ended the scoring chance and in their next set they were close again as after Neville Costigan had been tackled just short of the line, Travis Burns kicked a dangerous grubber kick to Wigan's in-goal but Josh Charnley safely knocked the ball over the dead ball line.

The Robins did draw level after a dangerous grubber kick from Kris Keating bounced in the in-goal area and was touched down by Craig Hall and despite Richard Silverwood electing for a video review, the try was awarded after a few replays but Travis Burns was unable to convert meaning the sides remained level at 4-4.

Wigan looked to regain the lead and a fine run from Liam Farrell through the Robins defence put Wigan in good field position and the next play saw Matty Smith sent a dangerous kick forward which after after a pass from Anthony Gelling saw Josh Charnley cross for a try but Richard Silverwood elected for a video review and the try was denied as Josh Charnley appeared to have been offside in the build-up to the try.

Hull KR capitalised on the 'No Try' for the Warriors by racing down the field and taking the lead after a nice passing play found Jason Chan who crossed for a try and a good angle allowed Travis Burns to convert to open up a 10-4 lead for the Robins into half-time.

A succession of obstruction rulings began the second half before Wigan came close to closing the gap after Blake Green sent a grubber kick into the KR in-goal area but Ade Gardner was on hand to quell the danger successfully before Wigan blew a great chance in the next set when Matt Bowen knocked on just metres from the Robins line.

Both sides came close in their next few sets with testing grubbers failing to cause trouble but a costly drop from Matt Bowen close to the Robins line saw Jason Chan break clear and looking on for a certain try until a superb chase back from George Williams denied the try.

However, Chan's pacy run had put KR in a great field position and a pass out wide in the next play saw Ben Cockayne cross for an easy try which saw Travis Burns unable to convert leaving the score at 14-4. Wigan looked to be in with a great chance of reducing the deficit when Anthony Gelling found Josh Charnley but unfortunately it was via a forward pass.

Wigan did close the gap with eight minutes to go as Blake Green side-stepped through the Robins defence before spraying a superb offload to Warriors captain Sean O'Loughlin who went over near the uprights for a fine try and created an easy conversion for Matty Smith who setup a tense finish at 14-10.

Tension was high between both sets of fans going into the final minutes but with just seconds left of the 80 minutes, Wigan drew level in amazing circumstances as a dash forward from Anthony Gelling saw him offload out wide to wing partner Josh Charnley who dived over for a try that caused a raucous celebration from the travelling fans in the Colin Hutton stand which put the score at 14-14.

All eyes focused on Matty Smith who had the chance to complete a superb comeback with a touchline conversion and hearts were in the mouths of both sets of fans as he swept the ball forward but the curl saw the ball miss the uprights by just inches and the mood was a strange one as the game came to an end with the sides both claiming a point at 14-14.

The consensus was that it was a point lost for the Robins and a valued point gained for the Warriors who really got lucky right at the end after the Robins had been the better side overall and Wigan now move on to a training camp at Bath before travelling to Widnes in two weeks.

Super League Round 24 Preview

Round 24, even saying that sounds strange given that there is still a lot to sort out in the Super League namely that the the top eight and top four could be vastly re-arranged by this time on Sunday evening as the league resumes after breaking for the Challenge Cup.

The round begins tomorrow night with the televised tie of Hull KR hosting champions Wigan with the Robins looking to keep up their top eight hopes with Wigan looking to go to the league's summit.

Hull KR go into the game in mixed form after a loss to Widnes in the previous round means that they have won only twice in five games and will be looking utilise the advantage of  playing ahead of their play-off rivals to boost their top eight hopes.

Wigan make the trip up to Hull with three wins in their last four games after a comfortable win over Salford in the previous round but will be wary having lost all but one of their trips over the Pennines with the visit to Hull FC being the positive exception.

Last season the two sides met twice at Craven Park with Wigan victorious 46-14 in the Challenge Cup fifth round after a famous 84-6 win for the Warriors in the league meeting, something the Warriors faithful would be delighted to repeat. This season's reverse meeting saw a superb game at the DW end with Wigan securing a 34-20 win putting them on course for a double over the Robins.

The Robins make three changes from their loss at Widnes with Craig Hall, Rhys Lovegrove and Sonny Esslemont replacing Omari Caro, Connor Robinson and Kris Welham while Wigan are boosted by the long-awaited returns of former Robins half-back Blake Green and Eddy Pettybourne from injury.


Hull KR -Burns, Carlile, Chan, Cockayne, Costigan, Cox, Eden, Esslemont, Gardner, Green, Hall, J. Hodgson, Horne, Keating, Larroyer, Lovegrove, Netherton, Salter, A. Walker.
Wigan - Bateman, Bowen, Charnley, Crosby, Dudson, L. Farrell, Flower, Gelling, Green, Hughes, Manfredi, O'Loughlin, Pettybourne, S. Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Taylor, Tomkins, Williams.

Both sides will be fresh after the CC break and I see this being a real cracker but just Wigan so Hull KR 16 Wigan 28.

Friday night features three games with the televised tie being a meeting that could have been a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Challenge Cup final as finalists Castleford travel to losing semi-finalists Warrington.

Warrington go into the game on the back of a loss to Leeds in the Challenge Cup last four but with good league form with three wins from their last five games and with the knowledge that Castleford will follow the tradition of sides resting players ahead of the final allowing the Wolves to boost their push for top spot.

Castleford go into the game buoyant after reaching the Challenge Cup final for the first time in 22 years and are unbeaten in five league games with three wins and two draws but can be forgiven for naming a 'weakened' team for the trip to Warrington as a defeat would not hinder their fine charge towards the top four but could aid a first cup win since 1986.

Last season's meeting at the Halliwell Jones stadium saw Warrington win 40-24 as part of a league double over the Tigers but they were stunned in this season's reverse meeting as Castleford eased to a 40-6 victory on Easter Monday which puts the Tigers on for a double over the Wolves.

Warrington - Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, England, Evans, Grix, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J.Monaghan, M.Monaghan, Myler, O'Brien, Ratchford, Russell, Waterhouse, Westwood, Wood.
Castleford - Tansey, Lynch, Milner, Hauraki, Massey, Holmes, Mariano, Wheeldon, Ellis, Gibson, Channing, Clare, Finn, Reynolds, Day, Jewitt, Carvell, Maher, Howden.

The fact that Castleford will be weakened ruins my hopes of a really close game so Warrington 32 Castleford 20. 

A few rounds ago, Salford and Catalan would have both had different views on where they would be in the table when this meeting came around but both now need a win to keep their hopes of a successful end to the season alive.

Salford go into the game on the back of a damaging defeat to Wigan and with only three wins from their last five games which has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread with a six point deficit to eight placed Wolves so need to win all of their last four to even have a chance of extending their season.

Catalan go into the game with their place in the top eight still unconfirmed and knowing the top six is all but out of their reach after only two wins in their last five games allowed the chasing pack to close up on them but a win over the Red Devils would ease their worries.

Last season's meeting at the AJ Bell stadium saw Salford secure a 16-12 victory but this will be keen to avoid suffering a double to the Dragons after losing 37-24 in Perpignan in the reverse meeting but an interesting omen for the Red Devils could come from the fact that the home side have been the victors in the last five meetings between the sides.

Salford include Kevin Locke who missed out in the defeat to Wigan after being named in the original 19 while for Catalan,  Vincent Duport is back from suspension with Olivier Elima and Ben Garcia with the trio replacing Lopini Paea, Mickael Simon and Antoni Maria.

Salford - Ashurst, Caton-Brown, Chase, Dixon, Evalds, Fages, Griffin, Hansen, Johnson, Lee, Locke, Morley, Puletua, Rapira, Sa'u, Tasi, Tomkins, Walne, Walton.

Catalan - Escaré, Pryce, Oldfield, Pomeroy, Bosc, Elima, Henderson, Lima, Taia, Anderson, Mounis, Pelissier, Whitehead, Millard, Bousquet, Baitieri, Duport, Garcia, Williams.

This could be a really good game with both sides with something to play for but I see Catalan ending the home win tradition so Salford 18 Catalan 26.

The final game of the evening sees table toppers St Helens host a Wakefield side who still have a hope of sneaking into the top eight.

St Helens go into the game atop the Super League table but in mixed form after a narrow loss away to Hull in the previous round saw a run of three wins come to an end meaning they have lost two of their last five and could be as low as fourth by the end of the round.

Wakefield go into the game on the back of a damaging defeat to Huddersfield which means their play-off hopes are hanging by a thread despite three wins in their last five games but they will know that a win could put them right in the mix.

Last season's meeting at Langtree Park saw Wakefield thrashed in a 52-18 win for the Saints but the reverse meeting earlier this season saw a much closer game with Wakefield unfortunate to lose in a narrow 24-16 defeat.

St Helens welcome back Adam Swift in place of Luke Thompson while Wakefield make four changes from the defeat to Huddersfield with Dean Collis, Daniel Smith, Scott Anderson and Jon Molloy replacing Nick Scruton, Jimmy Keinhorst, London bound Richard Mathers and the departing Richard Moore who left the club earlier in the week.


St Helens: Makinson, Turner, Jones, Swift, Masoe, Roby, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Soliola, Manu, Laffranchi, Flanagan, Amor, Wellens, Walmsley, Percival, Wheeler, Dawson, Richards, McDonnell
Wakefield Wildcats: D. Smith, Riley, Kirmond, Collis, Sykes, Lauitiiti, Raleigh, McShane, Gilmour, Sammut, Washbrook, Jowitt, Owen, Anderson, T. Smith, Tautai, Lyne, Molloy, Wildie

Recent form suggests this could go either way but I will edge towards a win for the hosts so St Helens 32 Wakefield 22.

Sunday features three ties with the standout game being the meeting between Huddersfield and Widnes with both still with a lot to play for this season.

Huddersfield go into the game on the back of a win over Wakefield and with three wins in their last five games and will be far fresher than their opponents who lost out in the Challenge Cup semi-final at the weekend but the Giants will be wary of a backlash and know a win is needed to keep up their slim hopes of retaining the League Leaders Shield.

Widnes go into the game on the back of a damaging loss in the Challenge Cup semi-final and with only two wins in their last five league games, their place in the top eight is under a serious threat but with the cup out of their minds they can focus on trying to secure eighth and extend their season.

Last season's meeting at the John Smith's Stadium saw Huddersfield thrash Widnes in a 62-6 win but the reverse meeting earlier this season saw Widnes edge a 22-20 win which puts them on course for a double over the Giants which would soften the blow from last weekend.

Huddersfield's extra break is hard not to use as a factor here so Huddersfield 36 Widnes 20. 

Bradford host Hull with the Airlie Birds still harbouring slim hopes of sneaking into the end of season play off's while the Bulls will look to win three in a row for the first time this season.

Bradford go into the game with only two wins from their last five games but with the wins coming against high-fliers Wigan and Leeds, the Bulls are in a confident mood despite their relegation to next season's Championship which since being confirmed seems to improved their performance.

Hull go into the game buoyant after a win over St Helens in the previous round which was their solitary win in their last five games which also included a draw and previous meetings suggest they will be confident with three successive wins over the Bulls.

Last season's meeting at the Provident Stadium saw Bradford secure a narrow 19-12 win but in the reverse meeting earlier this season, Hull put themselves on course for a double with a 44-16 win over the Bulls.

This is another game that could be a close one based on form but I see Hull just edging a win so Bradford 18 Hull 20. 

The final game of the year is on paper a complete mismatch as London host Leeds but London could get lucky if Leeds decide to follow Castleford in resting players ahead of the upcoming Challenge Cup final.

London go into the game still without a win in 2014 and with just four chances remaining, they face the real prospect of ending their stay in Super League with their last win coming in the previous season but may get lucky if Leeds field a weakened side which is surely London's only hope of winning.

Leeds go into the game on the back of a win over Warrington in the Challenge Cup but with just two wins and a draw from their last five league games though they are still in with a chance of ending the season with all three domestic trophies as they sit just two points off top spot.

Last season's meeting in London saw Leeds come away with a 30-18 win but London will hope not to suffer a repeat of the reverse meeting earlier this season as they fell to a 54-6 loss which put Leeds on course for a double over the Broncos.

London will be the fresher of the sides but I feel Leeds will have strength in depth so London 18 Leeds 30.

Yorkshire Duo Seal Wembley Meeting

In a season that has featured many surprises, it was always going to be a weekend of unpredictability in the Challenge Cup last four which resulted in the creation of an all-Yorkshire final for the Wembley showpiece.

Hall Double Ends Wolves Hopes
Leeds secured their place in the final and the chance to end a run six successive final losses with a battling win over Warrington who were unable to go one better than last seasons semi-final loss.

The Rhinos showed their intent early on when Kevin Sinfiield elected to kick for goal and did so successfully for a 2-0 lead inside three minutes, a lead that lasted until the 25th minute after both sides had held firm against each others attacks with Ryan Hall crossing for a try that was subject to a video review.

The try was eventually awarded and Kevin Sinfield converted successfully for a 8-0 lead meaning Warrington needed a response to avoid being cut adrift but instead the Wolves fell further behind three minutes before half-time as Ryan Hall claimed his second score of the afternoon after a superb lengthy pass from Danny McGuire. Kevin Sinfield made it three successes in a row with the boot to make it 14-0 into the interval.

Warrington responded early in the second period with Chris Bridge crossing for the Wolves first try but unfortunately he was unable to add a successful conversion and Leeds led 14-4 but Warrington's good start soon soured as Leeds regained their 14 point lead with a try from Joel Moon and with no conversion the score became 18-4.

Chris Hill looked to have reduced the deficit just three minutes later but after a video review the try was denied but the Wolves did claim their second try of the game when Stefan Ratchford crossed and despite a video review, the try was awarded and Chris Bridge added a conversion for 18-10.


Leeds opened the lead up to 14 points again in the 67th  minute when an interception by Tom Briscoe saw him race unchallenged down the field and to cross for a superb try which Kevin Sinfield converted with ease for a 24-10 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining.

However, Warrington were still in with a chance when Ben Westwood scored in bizarre circumstances in the 75th minute as he was literally handed an easy try after a knock-back from a Leeds defender saw the ball find him just metres from the line and he ambled over for the try. The effort was subjected to a video review to determine how the ball reached the Wolves player but the try was soon awarded. 

Chris Bridge converted for 24-16 to give the Wolves a slim hope going into the final minutes but the Rhinos held firm to seal a return to Wembley for the first time since 2011.

Tigers Cruise Past Vikings
Castleford secured their place in the final for the first time since 1992 with a comfortable win over Widnes who missed the chance to reach the final for the first time since 1993.

Castleford raced into a 10-0 lead inside nine minutes after tries from Liam Finn and Daryl Clark were added to by a conversion from Marc Sneyd to give the Tigers an early boost.Widnes still had reasonable hopes at the interval despite a try from Kirk Dixon putting Castleford 14-0 up at the break.

However, Jamie Ellis crossed just eight minutes into the second half and with Marc Sneyd converting for 20-0 it seemed Widnes' hopes were drifting away and were all but ended with 13 minutes to go when Marc Sneyd added a penalty for 22-0.

Jake Webster confirmed the win for the Tigers with a try in the 70th minute with was followed by a successful conversion from Marc Sneyd making it 28-0 but Widnes did have the last say as they avoided suffering a defeat to nil when Jack Owens crossed for a try in the 75th minute and added a conversion for a final score of 28-6.

However, the result itself was dampened by violent scenes following the hooter with the Widnes fans seemingly causing the most trouble which included the Castleford Tigers mascot being attacked in the melee.

 
 

Young Warriors Stun Wolves

After a 'bye' week due to the Salford postponement, Wigan u19's returned to action as they hosted table toppers Warrington who after only one defeat all season came into the game on the back of a loss to St Helens and hoping to avoid successive losses to close rivals.

Both sides had a mixed start to the game but it was the Warriors who posted the first score and in stunning style as a intercept from Liam Forsyth saw him dash 80m before crossing the Wolves line with the chasing pack trialing behind, Jake Shorrocks added a successful conversion to put the hosts 6-0 in front after only 12 minutes.

As the top point scorers and runaway leaders this season, a quick response was expected from Warrington but in fact they fell further behind just four minutes later as David Thompson crossed for Wigan and despite a miss from a tough angle for Jake Shorrocks, Wigan now led 10-0.

Wigan could have increased the lead further but were denied by a strong Warrington defence, one which has seen them leak less than 300 points this year but their barrier suffered a dent for the third time when a clever pass from Brad Lawrence saw him find Ryan Sutton who crossed for a try and Jake Shorrocks duly converted for 16-0.

Warrington looked a shadow of their 2014 record when they allowed Wigan in for the fourth time on the evening just before half-time as Nick Gregson crossed for a try to continue his fine scoring spree in 2014 but a tough angle saw Jake Shorrocks unable to convert as Wigan led 20-0.

Wigan added to their lead with two further tries before the hour with a try from Liam Marshall followed by a superbly worked try from Liam Forsyth which was a the result of a fine kick from Jamie Doran with Jake Shorrocks converting both for a 32-0 lead.

Warrington finally found an end product to their attack as they laid the foundations for a comeback with two tries in as many minutes from Toby King and Jack Johnson with Declan Patton converting once from the two attempts to reduce the deficit to 32-10.

Wigan confirmed a surprisingly comfortable win with a try from Jack Higginson in the 74th minute and despite Jake Shorrocks failing to convert the gap between the two sides had stretched to 26 points at 36-10. Warrington did have the last say on the result and in bizarre circumstances as an attacking kick from the Wolves evaded the Wigan defenders and a Warrington attacker before Ryan Maneely collected the ball and crossed for a try with Declan Patton converting for a final scoreline of 36-16.

Wigan's win sees them remain in third place but just a point behind St Helens who suffered defeat earlier today to Huddersfield and seven behind Warrington.

Top Six Narrows After Shocks

If the surprise results of rounds 21 and 22 were not enough to prove just how competitive the 2014 Super League season is, round 23 certainly provided clear proof as the top two both suffered defeats.

Gelling Treble Routs Red Devils

Wigan started well with runs from Josh Charnley and Matt Bowen putting them in a good position in the opening sets but sadly there was no end product from the positions and a number of drive and kick sets followed for both sides inside the first ten minutes.

However in the 12th minute, Wigan looked to have opened the scoring as a kick through the Salford defence saw Sean O'Loughlin and Matt Bowen chase the ball with the former looking to touchdown before the dead ball line. Phil Bentham elected for a video review and after a number of replays, the try was awarded with Matty Smith converting successfully for a 6-0 lead.

Salford could have fallen further behind from the restart as a nice passing set from Wigan ended when Matt Bowen's long pass could only find touch and Salford survived before coming close to scoring themselves as a pacy run from Junior Sa'u saw him come within metres of the Wigan line only to be denied by a clever tackle from Dom Manfredi.

Wigan looked to have scored their second try of the evening in the 22nd minute after an interception and break from Josh Charnley saw him raced clear for a try only to be pulled back due to a knock-on in the original ball steal. Salford came close to claiming their first score of the evening when a superb 40/20 from Rangi Chase put the Red Devils in a great position but in the resulting set, Mason Caton-Brown knocked on just metres from the Wigan line.

A kick and chase from Matt Bowen forced Greg Johnson to kick the ball over the dead ball line and force Salford to dropout from under the posts with Wigan taking advantage of the good fortune as Matty Smith and Matt Bowen combined to find Anthony Gelling who swished through the Salford defence to score but a tough angle saw a failure to convert from Smith and a 10-0 lead.

Wigan increased the lead straight from the restart as Anthony Gelling picked out Josh Charnley who crossed for the try and despite a tough angle, Matty Smith converted successfully for a 16-0 lead which could have increased further just before the interval as a final tackle kick from Wigan was fumbled by Niall Evalds but Wigan were unable to take advantage.

Salford could have reduced the deficit right on the hooter as a dangerous kick from Rangi Chase found the arms of Greg Johnson but the winger was denied a try right on the line as Wigan's defence held firm to keep him out.

Wigan made a perfect start to the second half as a superb run saw Anthony Gelling cross for his second try of the evening but Phil Bentham called for a video review and after a few replays. the try was awarded and Matty Smith converted for a 22-0 lead. Salford had a great chance to register their first score of the evening when Theo Fages was tackled just before the Wigan line but a knock-on ended the move.

The Red Devils breathed a sigh of relief in the 52nd minute when a nice run from Matt Bowen put Wigan in a superb position but a horror of a grubber kick from John Bateman saw the move break down with the try line in sight.

The biggest roar of the evening so far came when Joel Tomkins entered the field but his entrance was overshadowed by a nice passing move that saw Matty Smith cross for a try but again a video review was called for and this time the try was denied which was a bit of luck for Salford.

A final tackle kick from Matty Smith saw Niall Evalds collect the ball and race clear towards the Wigan line and on course for a certain try but a stunning chase from Josh Charnley saw him catch the full-back and regain possession for Wigan.

Salford did get on the scoreboard and in strange circumstances in the 62nd minute when a final tackle kick from Rangi Chase looked to be bouncing into touch under the watchful eyes of Matt Bowen but Josh Griffin snuck in under the Wigan full-back to touch down just before the touchline. Griffin looked to add to his own effort but missed with the boot and Wigan led 22-4.

Alike the reverse meeting between the sides, Matty Smith sent over a drop goal in the 67th minute to make it 23-4 but his effort served as an appetiser for another Wigan score as a pacy run from Matt Bowen saw him break clear of the Salford defence before offloading to Anthony Gelling who crossed to complete his first hat-trick for Wigan and a nice conversion from Matty Smith made the score 29-4 to Wigan.

Wigan secured the win in the next set as a run from Williams saw him break clear and looking for support but with no fellow Warriors in sight he sidestepped his way through a number of Salford defenders before crossing for a superb try which saw Matty Smith add the conversion for a 35-4 lead.

The Wigan try scoring machine was working overtime as they were in again after a short restart from Salford saw them gain possession before a mistake from the Red Devils saw a superb kick toward the Salford line from Tony Clubb with the forward beating off the chasing Salford defenders before tapping down on the ball to score a cleverly worked try. Matty Smith added a conversion from in front of the posts and Wigan led 41-4.

The gloss on the win for Wigan came two minutes from the end as Smith sliced through the Salford defence before diving over the line for a try which strangely was sent for a video review before being awarded but Smith was unable to convert his own effort meaning he ended the game with a personal haul of 17 points as Wigan won 45-4. A correct result but slightly off with the 36-16 prediction.

Monaghan Duo Quell Dragons

Warrington bounced back from back-to back defeats with a narrow win over Catalan in Perpignan with the Wolves taking the lead after 12 minutes when Michael Monaghan signalled his comeback from injury with the opening try and with Chris Bridge converting successfully, Warrington led 6-0.

Catalan responded well and were level inside three minutes as Michael Oldfield crossed for the Dragons with the returning Thomas Bosc converting for a 6-6 scoreline that lasted until two minutes before half-time when Gene Ormsby crossed for the visitors with Chris Bridge's conversion ensuring a 12-6 lead at the interval.

Bridge increased the lead by kicking a penalty just three minutes into the second half for 14-6 but Catalan bounced back just four minutes later as Greg Mounis scored for the Dragons and Thomas Bosc was on hand to convert for 14-12.

Warrington were determind to create a gap and did so in the 53rd minute with a try from Rhys Evans and with Chris Bridge continuing his success with the boot, the lead increased to 20-12 but Catalan were not to be cast away as they responded with Micheal Oldfield's second effort of the evening on the hour and with Thomas Bosc adding a conversion, the Dragons were just two points behind at 18-20.

Not to be outdone by his brother's early try, Joel Monaghan crossed for a try in the 65th minute with Chris Bridge converting for a fifth time on the night for 26-18 but keeping in the trend of the game, Catalan responded with a try as Michael Oldfield completed his hat-trick with Thomas Bosc converting to set a tense last eight minutes with the score at 26-24 but Warrington managed to hold on for the win. An incorrect result but not far off with the prediction of 32-28.

Saints Edged Out By Airlie Birds

St Helens travelled to Hull in the second leg of the inaugural Steve Prescott Cup and though the Saints claimed the trophy via the highest aggreagte score, they suffered defeat at the KC Stadium and failed to go clear at the Super League summit.

However, St Helens scored the opening try as Tommy Makinson crossed after only four minutes with Mark Percival converting for an early lead of 6-0 but Richard Horne responded with a try for the hosts in the 17th minute with Joe Westerman converting to level the score at 6-6. 

Hull went into the half-time break in front after Tom Lineham crossed for a try in the 35th minute with Joe Westerman's conversion ensuring a 12-6 lead at the interval but Saints bounced back in the second half and levelled just eight minutes into the second period.

Paul Wellens crossed for the Saints and Mark Percival added his second conversion to bring the sides level at 12-12 but only for 11 minutes as Hull regained the lead with a try from Mickey Paea but Joe Westerman was unable to convert meaning a slim lead at 16-12. However, Hull had Joe Westerman to thank as they confirmed the win with two late scores with Westerman kicking a penalty for 18-12 followed by a drop goal from the restart for a 19-12 win. An incorrect result and a bit off with the prediction of 18-28.

Bulls Stun Weakened Rhinos

After their stunning win over Wigan in the previous round, Bradford made it two wins in a row against sides in the top four as they defeated neighbours Leeds.

The Bulls took an early lead thanks to a Danny Williams try but Luke Gale's failure to add the conversion meant a slim lead at 4-0 which was soon cancelled out with Mitch Achurch's try in the 17th minute but Zak Hardaker was unable to convert and the sides were level at 4-4, a scoreline that lasted into the half-time interval.

Luke Gale crossed for a try just eight minutes into the second period and successfully converted his own effort for a 10-4 lead for the Bulls but the Rhinos responded as Brett Delaney scored in the 55th minute with Zak Haradker adding a conversion for 10-10.

Luke Gale edged Bradford back in front in the 67th minute with a successful penalty but Leeds took the lead for the first time when Luke Briscoe crossed for a try and despite no additional conversion, Leeds led 14-12 with just six minutes left on the clock.

Bradford regained the lead with two minutes to go as a fine try from Lee Gaskell put them ahead before Luke Gale added the conversion for 18-14 and then kicked a penalty in the final seconds to secure a famous 20-18 win for the battling Bulls. An incorrect result and but close with the prediction of 24-20 with Bradford's points tally guessed correctly.

Seven Try Giants Down Wildcats
  
Huddersfield boosted their top four hopes with a comfortable win over a Wakefield side who as a result suffered a dent to their play-off hopes.

The Giants raced into a 10-0 lead inside the first ten minutes with tries from Joe Wardle and Eorl Crabtree coupled Brough converting once from the two attempts but Wakefield just didn't seem to have a reply as Huddersfield increased their lead with four efforts in the space of 15 minutes.

Shaun Lunt, Craig Kopczak, Kruise Leeming and Jermaine McGillvary all crossed for tries with Brough converting all but the latter for a 32-0 lead at the half-time interval. Wakefield responded well and cut the deficit with two tries in nine minutes as Jarrod Sammut and Paul Sykes crossed the Giants line with Sammut converting both efforts with the boot for 32-12.

Huddersfield increased the lead to 36-12 with just two minutes to go when Jake Connor crossed for a try and despite Brough missing the conversion attempt, the win was firmly sealed but Wakefield had the last say as Jarrod Sammut crossed for his second score of the afternoon and successfully added a conversion to his own effort for a final score of 36-18. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 24-22.

Vikings Dent Robins Hopes

Widnes prepared for next week's Challenge Cup semi-final with a comfortable win over play-off rivals Hull KR who as a result of the defeat suffered a dent to their top eight hopes.

The Vikings took an early lead after Jack Owens crossed for the opening try of the afternoon in the ninth minute but with no additional conversion, the lead was slim at 4-0 and was cancelled out in the 23rd minute when Kris Keating crossed for the Robins to level the score and the visitors missed the chance to go in front after Travis Burns failed to convert at 4-4.

Widnes led at the half-time interval after a try in the 37th minute from Chris Dean and the resulting conversion from Danny Tickle made the score 10-4 at the break and they increased the lead inside the first minute of the second period with a try from Joe Mellor with Danny Tickle ion hand to convert for a 16-4 lead.

Kevin Brown increased the lead further just four minutes later with a try but with Tickle missing the conversion attempt, Hull KR still had hope at 20-4 and went on to reduce the deficit in the 50th minute when Travis Burns crossed for a try before going on to convert his won score for a 20-10 scoreline.

However, Widnes confirmed the win with two further tries with Stefan Marsh crossing in the 55th minute and Rhys Hanbury scoring in the 68th minute and despite neither score being successfully converted, the Vikings held on for a 28-10 win. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 22-30.

Classy Cas Roar Against Broncos

Alike next week's Challenge Cup semi-final opponents, Castleford prepared for the tie with a stunning win over London as they came from behind to deny the Broncos a first win of 2014.

London went in front in the 10th minute as Olsi Krasniqi crossed for the opening try of the afternoon and with Josh Drinkwater converting for a 6-0 lead but Castleford responded with a try from a former Bronco as Luke Dorn crossed for the hosts with Marc Sneyd converting to level the score at 6-6.

The away fans revelled in the 20th minute as London regained the lead with a try from Erjon Dollapi with Josh Drinkwater converting for a 12-6 lead but a hat-trick of tries from Justin Carney put Castleford in control as he crossed in the 25th, 31st and 34th minutes with Sneyd converting twice from three attempts for a 22-12 lead.

Scott Wheeldon piled further pressure on the Broncos with an effort just before the interval with Marc Sneyd converting for a 28-12 lead at the interval but London just seemed to have no way of responding as Castleford reached the 40 point mark with two tries in the first ten minutes of the second period with Michael Shenton and Garreth Carvell scoring and Marc Sneyd converting both for 40-12.

Castleford continued their scoring spree with two more efforts either side of the hour mark as Frankie Mariano and Kirk Dixon crossed for the hosts with Marc Sneyd converting once from the two attempts as the Tigers led 50-12.

Luke Dorn and Kirk Dixon registered their second efforts of the afternoon in the 68th and 73rd minutes but surprisingly Marc Sneyd failed to convert either try before he made it a trio of misses with the boot just a minute later when Adam Milner crossed for the Tigers to bring up the 60 point mark with Marc Sneyd converting for a 64-12 lead. 

London did have the last say before the long trip home as Mike McMeeken crossed for a try in the 77th minute with Josh Drinkwater maintaining his 100% record with the boot for a final score of 64-18. A correct result but slightly off with the prediction of 40-16.