Warriors Capitalise After Rivals Dismay

In what is becoming an exciting season, round 16 continued the unpredictable trend of Super League with three of the top four losing and three teams securing 40+ winning margins.

Giants Outpace Rhinos

After a week off due to the Challenge Cup, Huddersfield had the advantage of being fresh for the trip to a Leeds side who battled past Leigh in the cup and it was Huddersfield's freshness that paid off as they extended their three year winning streak over the Rhinos.

However, it was the hosts that opened the scoring as Watkins crossed for the first try after only six minutes with Sinfield converting for a 6-0 lead that lasted barely a couple of minutes as Wood crossed for the Giants and Brough levelled the score with a successful conversion. 

Jones-Bishop scored to regain the Rhinos' lead with Sinfield's conversion making it 12-6, a lead that lasted into the interval but Huddersfield responded well in the second half and levelled when McGillvary crossed and Brough converted for 12 all in the 48th minute.

Huddersfield went in front for the first time in the tie in style with two tries in as many minutes with Crabtree crossing for the first and Brough converting for 12-18 before Wardle extended the lead with a fine try that Brough converted for a 12-24 lead.

The fatigue of the previous week seemed to be creeping up on Leeds but they powered on and reduced the deficit with a try from Bailey in the 63rd minute but Sinfield missing with the boot meant the Rhinos needed at least two more efforts at 16-24.

Their luck was in three minutes later as Sutcliffe crossed for a try and Sinfield converted to make it 22-24 ensuring a tense last 14 minutes and right at the death, Headingley went silent after a superb 5th tackle saw Leeds travel from their own half and kick superbly for what looked like a try for Briscoe but it was the travelling fans who were soon joyous after the effort was chalked off due to a push on Brough. 

An incorrect result but a close on with a prediction of 25-22 in favour of Leeds.

Wing Duo Send Warriors Third

After the Challenge Cup exit to Castleford last weekend, Wigan welcomed the Tigers for the second time in under a week as they looked to overtake the visitors in the Super League table.

A mixed start for both sides saw Wigan take the lead in the 12th minute as Manfredi  raced in for the first try of the evening with Smith converting well for a 6-0 lead.Castleford came close to pulling level but suffered a huge blow when a long pass across the middle found the welcoming grasp of Bowen who dashed the length of the field to score a superb try to continue his spree of long range scores in 2014 with Smith adding the conversion for a 12-0 lead inside 25 minutes.

Bowen's run looked to have cost him as he was replaced minutes later by Hampshire but Wigan powered on as a superb pass from McIlorum allowed James to slip through the defence and score a nice try but Smith's miss with the boot meant a 16-0 lead.

Wigan extended their lead with five minutes left of the first half as a nice move by O'Loughlin saw him pick out Burgess on the wing who crossed for the try and a superb conversion from Smith made it 22-0 at the break.

A strong attacking move that saw Manfredi collect a kick only to be tackled in midair gave Wigan a penalty in a great position resulting a nice passing set that saw Farrell break through the Tigers defence and extend the lead with Smith adding a conversion for 28-0.

A fine dummy from McIlorum saw him cross for a well-worked try that was added to by a Smith conversion for 34-0 and Castleford surely needed to score next and looked to have done just as a clever kick found Dixon who crossed for a try but after a review was denied the score due to a knock on in the build-up.

Wigan confirmed the win with ten minutes remaining with a stunning kick from Smith guiding into the grasp of Burgess who dived over the line for his second try of the evening. Smith converted and Wigan now led 40-0.The Tigers avoided a potential nilling when a pass out wide saw Gibson cross to end Wigan's clean sheet with Ellis converting to reduce the gap to 40-6.

However, with three minutes to go, Gelling combined with Manfredi to send the young winger over for his second effort of the game and the gloss on the win was sealed by Smith with a seventh conversion for a 46-6 win. A correct result but off with the prediction of 24-22.

London Slip At Wakefield

London's quest for a first win of the season continues after they let another half-time lead slip to go down to a narrow defeat to Wakefield who as a result look to surely be safe from relegation.

Wakefield opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a try from Kirmond but Sykes missed conversion attempt meant a slim 4-0 lead that was cancelled out nine minutes later by a leveller from Cook with Drinkwater converting for a 4-6 lead which was extended just minutes later when Minns crossed for the Broncos with Drinkwater converting successfully for 4-10, a lead that lasted into the interval.

London have led numerous times this season but have failed to convert it into a win so it was no surprise when Wakefield levelled in the 65th minute with a try from Smith and conversion from Sykes before going ahead five minutes later through a Sykes penalty for 12-10. 

The win was sealed right at the end when Wakefield scored through Ryan and Sykes converted for 18-10 to end London's hopes of ending their season-long losing streak. A correct result but a wide prediction of 36-18.

Widnes Stunned By Hull
 
Alike Thursday night's game this tie saw a fresh Hull side travel to face a Widnes side who had eased past Keighley in the Cup but it was the freshness that shone through as Hull demolished the Vikings.

Widnes went in front in the fifth minute with a try from Flynn followed by a conversion from Tickle for a 6-0 lead but that was to be the last time that the Vikings scored a point as Hull came from behind to level three minutes later through Lancaster with a Rankin conversion for 6 all before leading after a Paea effort and Rankin conversion at 6-12.

Rankin added a penalty four minutes before the interval for a 6-14 lead at half-time that was extended by Lancaster's second effort just five minutes into the second half with Rankin converting for 20-6. Hull extended their lead with two scores in as many minutes from Shaul and Horne with Rankin converting both for a 6-32 lead.

Hull ran riot with four tries in the last 13 minutes to stun Widnes with Rankin crossing for a try ahead of Lancaster's third and a second and third for Shaul with Rankin converting all four for a personal points tally of 22 points and a 6-56 win for Hull. An incorrect result and a wide prediction of 32-22.

Monaghan Double Sinks Robins

Warrington avoided suffering a league double to Hull KR to close up on the top four with a comfortable win away to the Robins.

Both sides held firm in defence making for a tight first half but Warrington went into the break ahead after three late scores from Ormsby, Ratchford and Monaghan with Bridge converting all three for an 0-18.

The Robins reduced the deficit just before the hour mark with a try from Horne but a failed conversion attempt meant a 14 point gap at 4-18 which was extended in style by three late tries from the Wolves with Evans and Atkins crossing before Monaghan sealed the win with his second try with Bridge adding two conversions from three attempts for a 4-34 win. A correct result but slightly off on the prediction of 18-28.

Dragons Rout Sunburnt Saints

Catalan continued their scorching home form with a complete demolition of a travelling St Helens side that looked like their minds were still on the flight over from the UK.

Duport put the Dragons ahead in the eighth minute with a fine try but Bosc's miss with the boot meant a slim 4-0 lead that lasted until just before the interval when Oldfield crossed on the wing but with Bosc missing again the lead was still slim at 8-0. 

The Dragons took control either side of the hour with a second try from Duport followed by an effort from Henderson with Bosc converting one from two for a 18-0 lead and Saints needed a miracle to comeback.

However, it was Catalan that struck next and in devastating style with four scores in the final 12 minutes beginning with a try from Bosc who converted successfully and followed minutes later by a second and third of the afternoon for Oldfield either side of an effort from Millard with Bosc converting all three for a stunning 42-0 victory that made me proud to have a correct result despite a wide prediction of 26-20.

Salford Add To Bulls Woes

Salford ended a two month wait for a win with a comfortable victory over a Bradford side that need a miracle to survive and even more after dispensing with coach Francis Cummins earlier today.

In what will sadly be remembered as Cummins last game at the Bulls helm, Salford raced into a 24-0 lead inside 15 minutes with tries from Tomkins, Sa'u, Dixon and Chase all converted by the latter before a reply from Bradford came from Kear with Gale converting for 24-6 in the 23rd minute.

Chase scored a second just before the half-hour but missed the conversion as the hosts led 28-6 before Sa'u scored his second of the afternoon with Chase converting for a 34-6 lead that was reduced just before the interval by a try from Olbison with Gale converting for 34-12.

Bradford reduced the gap further on the hour with an effort from O'Brien with Gale converting for 34-18 but two tries in four minutes from Meli and Evalds sealed the win for Salford with Chase converting both for 46-18. An incorrect result and wide prediction of 18-23.  

Wing Duo Send Warriors Third

After the Challenge Cup exit to Castleford last weekend, Wigan welcomed the Tigers for the second time in under a week as they looked to overtake the visitors in the Super League table.

A mixed start for both sides saw Wigan take the lead in the 12th minute as a nice passing set saw Gelling pick out his wing partner, Manfredi who raced in for the first try of the evening with Smith converting well for a 6-0 lead.

Castleford came close to pulling level but suffered a huge blow when a long pass across the middle found the welcoming grasp of Bowen who dashed the length of the field to score a superb try to continue his spree of long range scores in 2014 with Smith adding the conversion for a 12-0 lead inside 25 minutes.

Bowen's run looked to have cost him as he was replaced minutes later by Hampshire but Wigan powered on as a superb pass from McIlorum allowed James to slip through the defence and score a nice try but Smith's miss with the boot meant a 16-0 lead.

Castleford seemed to be a shadow of their Challenge Cup performance as Wigan extended their lead with five minutes left of the first half as a nice move by O'Loughlin saw him pick out Burgess on the wing who crossed for the try and a superb conversion from Smith made it 22-0 at the break leaving Castleford with a lot of work to do to comeback.

Wigan started the second half in the same vain as they ended the first with a strong attacking move that saw Manfredi collected a kick only to be tackled in midair giving Wigan a penalty in a great position resulting a nice passing set that saw Farrell break through the Tigers defence and extend the lead with Smith adding a conversion for 28-0.

Fullback was becoming a problem position for the Warriors as Hampshire went off injured meaning Sarginson deputised for the first time since a stellar performance away to Hull, but Wigan were not phased and alike the earlier switch used it to their advantage as a fine dummy from McIlorum saw him cross for a well-worked try that was added to by a Smith conversion for 34-0.

Castleford surely needed to score next and looked to have done just as a clever kick found Dixon who crossed for a try but after a review was denied the score due to a knock on in the build-up which soon turned out to to be a double blow as Wigan confirmed the win with ten minutes remaining with a stunning kick from Smith guiding into the grasp of Burgess who dived over the line for his second try of the evening. Smith converted and Wigan now led 40-0.

The Tigers avoided a potential nilling when a pass out wide saw Gibson cross to end Wigan's clean sheet with Ellis converting to reduce the gap to 40-6 but it was of little consolation when with three minutes to go, Gelling combined with Manfredi to send the young winger over for his second effort of the game and the gloss on the win was sealed by Smith with a seventh conversion for a 46-6 win.

Super League Round 16 Preview

After an exciting Challenge Cup weekend, Super League returns with a tasty looking round 16 that sees four of the top six face off.

Tonight sees a feisty Yorkshire derby between Leeds and Huddersfield with both sides looking for a first win over their fierce rivals in 2014 after a 12 all draw in March.

Leeds go into the game in mixed form with two wins in their last three and off the back of a tough cup tie against Championship table toppers Leigh and will be eager to rise back to the top of the league with current leaders St Helens not in action until Saturday afternoon in Perpignan.

Huddersfield are the fresher of the sides after a week off due to the cup games and will look to make it two wins on the bounce after their win against Wigan somewhat erased their poor showing at Magic to St Helens.

Last season's meeting at Headingley saw the Giants take away a 8-32 win, a repeat of which would delight the travelling fans as it would move them up to fifth and level on points with fourth placed Wigan.

Leeds with be without Carl Ablett and Zak Hardaker who are both suspended while Paul Aiton, Rob Burrow, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Mitch Achurch are injury casualties while Huddersfield bring in Craig Kopczak and Jodie Broughton in place of Shaun Lunt and Ben Blackmore with the latter now at Featherstone.

Leeds-: Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, Peacock, Sinfield, S. Ward, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Walters, R. Ward, TBC.
Huddersfield -: Grix, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, Murphy, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Kopczak, Ferres, Chan, Bailey, Lawrence, Patrick, Faiumu, Ta'ai, Wood, Broughton, Johnson.

This could be a close one and despite the lack of a break, I see Leeds just winning so Leeds 25 Huddersfield 22.

Surprisingly, there are four games on Friday night with the pick of the ties being the Castleford's second visit to Wigan in the space of a week after their Challenge Cup triumph.

Wigan go into the game sore after seeing their 28 year home record and the prospect of retaining the Challenge Cup disappear and will be eager to get revenge for the loss while also looking to end a three game losing streak to the Tigers.

Castleford may still be in wonderland after securing a semi-final place in the cup but know that a win would complete a league double over the Warriors and extend their run of wins to four which would move them four points clear of their hosts with the sides in third and fourth respectively.

Last season's meeting began the winning run for Castleford as they beat a tired Wigan side that had met Warrington four days previous 18-4 and for Wigan this year's meeting sees a similar problem with a re-arranged game with Widnes this coming Wednesday so hopefully lightning doesnt strike twice with their fixture pile-up.

Wigan make three changes from Saturday's loss with Scott Taylor, Darrell Goulding and Sam Powell replacing Jack Hughes, Ryan Sutton and Greg Burke while Castleford welcome back Justin Carney, Nathan Massey and Ben Renyolds in place of Jake Webster, Andy Lynch and Daryl Clark.


Wigan-: Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Crosby, Dudson, Farrell, Flower, Gelling, Goulding, Hampshire, James,Manfredi, McIlorum, O'Loughlin, Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Taylor, Williams.
Castleford-  Carney, Clare, Dixon, Dorn, Ellis, Finn, Gibson, Hauraki, Holmes, Huby, Jewitt, Mariano, Massey, Millington, Milner, Reynolds, Shenton, Sneyd, Wheeldon.

After Saturday, Wigan need a huge step-up and I hope it comes tomorrow so Wigan 24 Castleford 22.

Widnes play host to Hull with the Vikings looking to complete a league double over the Airlie Birds or the first time in over 20 years and with their mixed form could do with a good win.

Widnes come into the game with only one win in four league games but buoyant after a comfortable Challenge Cup win over Championship side Keighley and eager to close the gap to the top four as a win could see them as high as fifth.

Hull alike their hosts are also in mixed form with one win in four which came in their last outing at London and need a win in order to keep up their hopes of a top-eight finish and a place in the play-offs while also looking to catch city rivals Hull KR.

Earlier in the season, Widnes edged a 0-7 win in horribly wet conditions and both sides would hope for a higher scoring game tomorrow while Widnes will hope to repeat last season's meeting at the Select Security stadium which saw them triumph 36-16.

Widnes welcome back Jon Clarke and Hep Cahill with Paddy Flynn and Phil Joseph also returning to the fold while Hull bring in Liam Watts coming in for Dean Hadley with Setaimata Sa deemed fit to return.


Widnes- Allen, Brown, Cahill, Clarke, Clough, Craven, Dean, Galea, Gilmore, Flynn, Hanbury, Johnson, Joseph, Kavanagh, Leuluai, Marsh, Owens, Tickle, White.
Hull-  Bowden, Crooks, Ellis, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Lancaster, Miller, Paea, Paleaaesina, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Talanoa, Thompson, Tuson, Watts, Westerman, Yeaman.

 
Form suggests this could be hard to call but I think Widnes will come out on top so Widnes 32 Hull 22.

Hull KR host Warrington in what will be the third meeting between the sides in 2014 with both triumphing  away from home.

Hull KR will look to complete a double over Warrington after securing a 25-12 win earlier in the season which came only a week after losing to the Wolves in the Challenge Cup so would love to hand a second successive defeat to their visitors while looking to win for a third time in four games.

Warrington will look to avoid being doubled but unlike their hosts played last weekend in a comfortable win over Bradford in the Challenge Cup and are in good form with wins in all of their last five so will be buoyant in the trip up to face the Robins.

Last season's meeting saw the Robins triumph 26-12 with a repeat something the KR faithful would be very glad of along with the prospect of the league double.


Hull KR's Michael Weyman continues after winning his suspension appeal with the recalled Greg Eden returning as Ben Cockayne is out potentially for ten weeks while Warrington bring in two new faces in the shape of George King and Joe Philbin in place of the injured Micheal Monaghan and Richie Myler.

Hull KR-Burns, Carlile, Costigan, Eden, Gardner, Green, Hall, D Hodgson, J Hodgson, Horne, Keating, Langley, Netherton, Ollett, Salter, Ulugia, A Walker, J Walker, Weyman.
Warrington- Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, Currie, Dwyer, England, B Evans, R Evans, Grix, Harrison, Higham, Hill, King, Monaghan, Ormsby, Philbin, Ratchford, Riley, Russell.


Hull KR to double would be stunning but I see Warrington coming away with a win so Hull KR 18 Warrington 28.

Tommorow's fourth game sees London travel to face Wakefield with both surely glad that Bradford failed to overturn their points deduction but even so this game will mean a lot.

Wakefield will hope to pull away from the bottom two with a win as they sit only six points clear of Bradford and a loss could pull them into a relegation scrap as London would close up on them and with only one win in four are desperate for a win.

London come into the game still looking for their first win of the season after 15 defeats and with their hosts only eight points better off their is thought that this could be their best chance of a win with some tough games ahead.

Wakefield triumphed 50-22 earlier in the season and are on course for a league double and after last season's 46-14 win at home to the Broncos will be eager for a repeat victory and a first for new coach James Webster after Richard Agar left last week.

Wakefield welcome back Wigan bound Taulima Tautai after a period on the sidelines and is joined by Tim Smith who comes in on loan from Salford while London welcome back Will Lovell and Jamie O'Callaghan


Wakefield -Mathers, Riley, D. Smith, Walshaw, Sykes, Godinet, Anderson, McShane, Gilmour, Kirmond, Washbrook, Ryan, Owen, Wildie, T. Smith, Tautai, Sammut, Scruton, Molloy
London-Caton-Brown, Cook, Cunningham, Drinkwater, Farrar, Foster, Greenwood, Griffin, Herold, Krasniqi, Lovell, Macani, Mataitonga, Minns, Moore, O'Callaghan, Slyney, Vea, Wallace


London are in huge need of a win but I see Wakefield completing the double so Wakefield 36 London 18.

Saturday afternoon sees league leaders St Helens travel to sunny Perpignan to face Catalan who will look to secure a sixth consecutive home win while avoiding a league double to their visitors.

Catalan go into the game with two wins and a draw in the last four and will be keen to close up on the top four while extending the gap to those sides on the fringes of the play-off places and will hope to overturn the 44-22 defeat they suffered to Saints earlier in the season.

St Helens sit top of the table and are in good form with three wins in their last four and will be wary of Catalans stunning home record this season where the glorious sunshine has been a factor for the various travelling sides that have suffered this season.

Last season's meeting saw Saints win 6-26, a repeat of which would ensure they would be top at the end of the round despite potential wins for Leeds and Castleford.

Catalan include Greg Mounis, Ian Henderson and Benjamin Garcia who have all recovered from injury with  Julian Bousquet, Mickael Simon and Jean-Philippe Baile all dropping out of the squad while Saints include Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Willie Manu, Josh Jones and Mark Percival while Lance Hohaia misses out as his wife is due to give birth and Andre Savelio is also called up.

Catalan- Escare, Pryce, Pomeroy, Oldfield, Bosc, Elima, Henderson, Lima, Taia, Anderson, Mounis, Pelissier, Whitehead, Millard, Paea, Baitieri, Duport, Cardace, Garcia
St Helens- Lomax, Makinson Turner, Jones, Walsh, Masoe, Roby, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Soliola, Manu, Flanagan, Wellens, Walmsley, Percival, Wheeler, Dawson, Thompson, Hand, Savelio

Catalan are terrifyingly good at home and I see them continuing that so Catalan 26 St Helens 20.

The final game of the round sees Salford host Bradford with the Bulls looking to add to their win over Wakefield while erasing the disappointment of their points deduction appeal.

Salford go into the game in terrible form with no wins in their last four with the only positive a draw against Hull KR but will look to complete a double over the Bulls after a 38-24 win earlier in the season and after letting Greg Eden, Shannon McPherson and Tim Smith go from the squad due to the impeding arrival of NRL import Kevin Locke will be keen to improve on what has been a poor season so far.

Bradford despite not getting any points back in their appeal do have some confidence after the win over Wakefield in the last round ended a poor run and know that a win on Sunday would put them only five points behind the Red Devils and with a number of the top sides to come in the next month will be keen to pull away from the bottom.

This could go either way but I am tipping Bradford to make it back to back wins so Salford 18 Bradford 23.

Vikings Join Wild Trio In Last Four

A four day spread of the Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals allowed the Rugby League neutrals to take in a stunning 320 minutes of action that saw only one surprise result but two games ended with a really close outcome.

Vikings Slay Cougars

Thursday night saw Championship side Keighley travel to face Super League side Widnes and the visitors were dealt an early blow to their already huge task as they went 22-0 down inside 16 minutes as the Vikings ran in tries from Hulme, Gilmore and a double from Brown with Tickle converting three after missing the first attempt.

Keighley improved in defence but left the door open twice in the space of five minutes as Owens and March crossed with Owens taking over the kicking duties and converting both for a 32-0 lead at the interval.

Isa extended the lead for the hosts in the first minute of the second half and with Owens converting for 38-0, a huge score looked likely but one of the biggest cheers of the evening came when Williams crossed for Keighley with Stead converting to reduce the deficit to 38-6.

Two tries in seven minutes before the hour mark put Widnes in firm control and surely confirmed their place in the last four as Gilmore and Craven crossed with both successfully converted by Owens to bring up the 50 point mark at 50-6.

Gilmore rounded off the scoring by completing his hat-trick in the 69th minute with Owens converting for a fifth time to secure a semi-final place with a 56-6 win which was a correct result for me and close with a prediction of 52-10.

Rhinos Late Show Downs Centurions

Despite being a division apart when they met on Friday night, Leeds and Leigh faced off in a stunning 80 minutes that left the neutrals purring at what Leigh could become when Super League beckons.

Leeds went in front after only six minutes when Hall crossed and Sinfield converted for a 6-0 lead but what came next stunned the Leeds faithful as Leigh not only levelled but went in front, Spencer crossed for the Centurions first try and Ridyard converted for 6-6 but four minutes later, Armstrong scored in the corner and Ridyard converted again for a 6-12 lead.

Leeds levelled just after the half-hour mark with a try from Stevie Ward with Sinfield converting for 12-12 meaning the sides were level at the interval. Three minutes into the second half, a huge scuffle between Leeds' Peacock and Leigh's Sarsfield with both being sin-binned. 

The sides remained level until seven minutes from the end as after a missed drop goal opportunity for Leigh, Leeds went down the other end and scored through Robbie Ward with Sinfield converting for a 18-12 lead which he extended to 19-12 with a drop goal three minutes later.

Leigh's dream of a last four place ended with two minutes to go when Hardaker crossed for the hosts and Sinfield converted for 25-12 but the whole crowd applauded the Leigh players for taking Leeds right to the wire, something many Super League sides have failed to do this season. A correct result and not too far off with the prediction of 36-18.

Tigers End Warriors Run

In the tie of the round, Castleford travelled to face holders Wigan in the first part of a double header in league and cup.

Castleford seemed to have taken the lead after 14 minutes only to be denied by a review with a further effort in the 28th minute chalked off before they did finally go in front with a try from Clare with Sneyd converting for a 0-6 lead

However, the visitors did break the deadlock three minutes later through Clare's whose effort was awarded after a review and was followed by a touchline conversion from Sneyd for a 0-6 lead which accompanied by superb defending against the Wigan attack lasted into the interval.

Wigan came achingly close to levelling just three minutes into the second half after a stunning set saw them just metres from the Tigers line only for Burgess to knock on with the line in clear sight, Wigan's next set saw four attacks within 10m of the line but with no end product.

Castleford piled the pressure on the hosts by forcing a goal-line dropout in the 53rd minute but failed to take advantage with Wigan responding well with two good efforts, O'Loughlin and Gelling both going close before finally breaking through via Farrell to the joy of the home crowd but Smith's missed conversion left them 4-6 behind.

The visitors quelled the Warriors' response with a fine try from Dixon in the corner after a combination of passes left Wigan open out wide, Sneyd failed to meaning a lead at 4-10 and with just over nine minutes to go, Wigan's hold on the trophy was starting to slip.

Castleford sealed their passage into the last four, ending Wigan's hopes of retaining the trophy and their illusive 28-year unbeaten home record as a superb set of passes saw Jewitt cross for the try and when Sneyd converted for 4-16, their place in the last four was confirmed. An incorrect result meaning a failed prediction of 31-30. 

Wolves Overpower Bulls

The final tie of the round saw Bradford host Warrington with the Bulls looking for a mini-double over the Wolves but were outclassed by a strong Warrington side on Sunday.

After a mixed start for both sides, Warrington went in front in the 15th minute with a try from Myler with Bridge converting for 6-0 before Bradford replied four minutes later through Kear but Gale's failed conversion left them 4-6 behind.

Warrington increased the lead in style with two scores in four minutes from Atkins and Russell with both converted by Bridge for a 4-18 lead which lasted into the interval. Bradford needed to score first to unhinge the Wolves charge and did so when George raced clear to cross for a try and Gale converted for 10-18.

However, Warrington regained their 14 point lead when Ormsby crossed and Bridge converted for 10-24 before the game ended as a contest when two tries in as many minutes from Myler and Joel Monaghan with Bridge converting both for a 10-36 lead.

Warrington reached 40 points with Monaghan's second try and a score from Currie in the final ten minutes with Bridge converting the first before missing for the first time all afternoon for a final score of 10-46. A correct result but slightly off with the prediction of 20-32.

Tigers End Warriors Record

In the first part of a double header in the Challenge Cup and Super League, Castleford travelled to face holders Wigan looking to end the Warriors' 28 year unbeaten home record in the competition with Tigers the last victors away to the Warriors in 1986.

Both sides started well despite the wet conditions with Wigan close to scoring the opening try after a nice run of play allowed O'Loughlin to attack the Tigers line but was denied by the obstruction rule, Castleford came close themselves only to be foiled by a forward pass in the build-up.

After 14 minutes, Castleford looked to have claimed their first try of the afternoon when a grubber kick from Sneyd found the hand of Bowen before Sneyd looked to have scored only to knock on and Cas had another effort sent to the screen just before the half-hour mark when Finn found Dorn out wide but the Winger's effort was chalked off due to obstruction.

However, the visitors did break the deadlock three minutes later through Clare's whose effort was awarded after a review and was followed by a touchline conversion from Sneyd for a 0-6 lead which accompanied by superb defending against the Wigan attack lasted into the interval.

Wigan came achingly close to levelling just three minutes into the second half after a stunning set saw them just metres from the Tigers line only for Burgess to knock on with the line in clear sight, Wigan's next set saw four attacks within 10m of the line but with no end product.

Castleford piled the pressure on the hosts by forcing a goal-line dropout in the 53rd minute but failed to take advantage with Wigan responding well with two good efforts, O'Loughlin and Gelling both going close before finally breaking through via Farrell to the joy of the home crowd but Smith's missed conversion left them 4-6 behind.

The visitors quelled the Warriors' response with a fine try from Dixon in the corner after a combination of passes left Wigan open out wide, Sneyd failed to meaning a lead at 4-10 and with just over nine minutes to go, Wigan's hold on the trophy was starting to slip.

Castleford sealed their passage into the last four, ending Wigan's hopes of retaining the trophy and their illusive 28-year unbeaten home record as a superb set of passes saw Jewitt cross for the try and when Sneyd converted for 4-16, the Tigers Wembley dream was just a win away while Wigan will reflect a second successive loss ahead of the league meeting on Friday.

A good afternoon despite the result and another nice meeting with the Ancient and Loyal crew as can be seen below.

Challenge Cup Quarter Final Preview

A break in the Super League programme sees the return of the Challenge Cup which is at the quarter final stage and features two all Super League ties and two Super League/Championship face-offs.

Tonight's first tie sees a cross league meeting between Super League side Widnes who play host to Championship side Keighley.

Widnes will be looking to go one better than last season when they exited the competition at this stage to eventual winners Wigan and with a good season so far that sees them seventh in Super League they well be buoyant and confident of a win that would put them only 80 minutes away from a return to Wembley for the first time since 1993.

Keighley are outsiders to advance due to the gulf between the leagues but in this competition anything can happen, proof of which is the fact that the Cougars have battled into the last eight. This will be their toughest test after considerably easier opposition in the earlier rounds followed by a tight win over Swinton in the previous round,

The sides met in Keighley's sole final appearance back in 1937 which saw Widnes triumph 18-5 but the hopes of an upset have dropped with the news that the visitors have named a 'weakened' squad.

Widnes are without captain Jon Clarke and the suspended Paddy Flynn while Keighley are missing player-coach Paul March who is currently midway through a stadium ban which included five successive wins for the Cougars before defeat to Halifax last week

Widnes-Allen, Brown, Clough, Craven, Dean, Galea, Gerrard, Gilmore, Hanbury, Isa, Hulme, Johnson, Kavanagh, Lawton, Leuluai, Marsh, Owens, Tickle, White.
Keighley- J. Sheriffe, Barnett, Williams, Graham, Duffy, Kelly, Stead, Law, Lee, Peltier, Eccleston, Pursglove, Sagar, Haigh, Patchett, Cherryholme, Lynam, Hesketh, J. Sheriffe.

Hard to see anything other than a Widnes win so Widnes 52 Keighley 12.

Friday night sees the second cross league tie of the round but as Championship side Leigh travel to face Super League side Leeds with the visitors in superb form with a 100% record in 2014.

Leigh sit top of the Championship having won all 13 games this season coupled with a trio of wins in this competition and have resisted the chance to rest some of their stars in order to give them the best possible chance of staging a shock at Headingley tomorrow night.

Leeds sit second in Super League after a good year so far but have stuttered in the past four weeks which saw them displaced at the top ruining the chance of a 'Battle of the Table Toppers' and despite being favourites will be wary of Leigh's strong attack which is spearheaded by top scorer Ryan Brierley who has 27 tries in 2014.

The two sides met at this stage in 2012 with Leeds triumphing 64-10 but Leigh have come a long way since that defeat and do have a good hope of gaining revenge while also putting them a single win away from a trip to Wembley.

Leigh are at full strength with the exception of the injured Cameron Pitman while Leeds are without the suspended Carl Ablett with Mitch Achurch sidelined with a knee injury meaning Josh Walters is set to make his senior debut.


Leeds- Hardaker, Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, Peacock, Sinfield, S. Ward, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Walters, R. Ward.
Leigh- McNally, Pownall, Higson, Armstrong, Kay, Wilkes, Penkywicz, Spencer, Sarsfield, Haggerty, Barlow, Hopkins, Emmitt, Beswick, Bate, Goulden, Acton, Ridyard, Brierley.

Form suggests this could be a tasty tie and though I will tip Leeds, It could be close so Leeds 36 Leigh 20.

Saturday afternoon sees holders Wigan host Castleford in the first part of a double header with the sides meeting in Super league next week.

The Tigers sit third in Super League and go into the game looking for a third successive win over the Warriors having won at the DW last June and with a last gasp win at The Jungle earlier this season. They are a side to be wary of as they are the Super League top scorers and boast the third best defence.

Wigan go into the game in fourth but with an extra game in the next fortnight they could displace the visitors but the focus will be placed solely on the defence of their title in what should be their toughest test so far.

Both sides will be eager to earn the win to boost confidence ahead of next week's league meeting but for Wigan there is the relief of a home draw against a Tigers side that have been stunning at The Jungle this season and may have been favourites as the result of a reverse draw.

The prospect of being a single win away from Wembley would be huge for Castleford after exiting at the fourth round stage last season while for Wigan being a step closer to retaining the trophy will boost what has been a brilliant last 12 months.

Wigan have have the better of Castleford in the last four cup meetings between the sides with the Tigers last win back in the 1986 quarter-final which saw them go on to lift the trophy. 

Wigan's hopes have been boosted by the returning trio of Michael McIlorum, Liam Farrell and Ben Flower with Dan Sarginson also included in place of Darrell Goulding, Scott Taylor, Sam Powell and Connor Farrell while Castleford are without the injured Michael Channing who is replaced by Lee Jewitt.



Wigan: Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Burke, Crosby, Dudson, L.Farrell, Flower, Gelling, Hampshire, Hughes, James, Manfredi, McIlorum, O'Loughlin, Sarginson, Smith, Sutton, Williams.
Castleford: Dixon, Shenton, Webster, Dorn, Sneyd, Lynch, Milner, Huby, Millington, Hauraki, Clark, Holmes, Mariano, Wheeldon, Ellis, Gibson, Clare, Finn, Jewitt.

This will be close but I see Wigan edging it on their return to the DW so Wigan 31 Castleford 30.

The final tie of the weekend sees Bradford host Warrington with the Bulls looking for a league and cup double at home to the Wolves in 2014.

Bradford go into the tie buoyant after a win over Wakefield last week though they still sit 13th and in danger of relegation but will have high hopes of recording a second win in the space of a week after staging a superb comeback to defeat Warrington 34-28 last month in Super League.

Warrington despite sitting fifth in Super League and coming into the tie on the back of a win over Leeds have had by their standards, a bad season so far which includes the defeat at Odsal a month and will be eager to advance to the last four in the hope of reaching a fourth final in six years having won their last three Wembley visits.

This game on paper would be a win for the visitors but last month's win for Bradford suggests it could be a close on but I will edge for the Wolves so Bradford 20 Warrington 32.

 

Travellers Fall To Home Advantage

Ahead of a break due to the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals, round 15 will certainly leave a mark after a weekend of joy for five of the seven hosts as home advantage duly paid dividends.

Giants End Warriors Streak

In a 'battle of the champions', Huddersfield hosted Wigan with the Warriors buoyed by the return of captain Sean O'Loughlin who marked his return with the opening try with Smith converting to create a 6-0 lead for the visitors.

Huddersfield fell further behind when a superb run from Bowen saw him cross for a brilliant try with Smith again successful with the boot for 0-12. Huddersfield responded well and reduced the deficit after nice play in the middle saw Murphy score in the corner with Brough converting for 6-12.

Huddersfield were in again when Lunt crossed the Wigan line and his try was awarded after a review with Brough converting for 12 all before taking the lead through Wardle whose try was added to by Brough's conversion for 18-12.

Huddersfield increased their lead as Wardle raced clear to score after what looked to be a forward pass but the try stood and Brough converted for 24-12 before adding a drop goal for 25-12 leaving Wigan with a lot to do to comeback.

Wigan reduced the deficit  with a superb last tackle kick finding Manfredi who grounded the ball superbly but Smith's missed conversion attempt meant a nine point gap at 25-16 and their hopes looked to be in tatters when a huge mistake from Burgess allowed McGillvary to race clear for an easy try with Brough maintaining his record with the boot for a 31-16 lead.

Even though their winning record was coming to a certain end, Wigan did have the last say as a nice pass out wide found Burgess who crossed for a try with Smith converting for a final score of 31-22 which meant an incorrect prediction and wide hopes of 16-24.

Bridge Stars For Wolves 

Warrington boosted their hopes of a top four finish with a comfortable win over table toppers Leeds who travelled to the Wolves looking to complete a double. 

Bridge put the hosts in front with a superb run that saw him cross the Leeds line for the opening try before adding a successful conversion for a 6-0 lead which increased just after the half-hour mark when Myler's run saw him pick out Hill who crossed for a try which Bridge converted for a 12-0 lead.

Leeds fell further behind when Bridge struck his second try of the evening while adding a third conversion for a 18-0 lead which could have been more in the final seconds of the half had Ablett not superbly tackled Monaghan into touch with the try line in sight. 

Warrington continued their scoring run into the second half when Bridge sent over a penalty to increase the gap to 20 points meaning Leeds would need at least four scores to avoid defeat and the prospect of being overtaken at the top.

Leeds responded with a try from Leuluai with Sinfield's conversion reducing the gap to 14 points at 20-6 but the final say went to Monaghan as he crossed for a try in the 73rd minute and despite Bridge missing the conversion, Warrington sealed a 24-6 win. Another incorrect result and wide with the prediction of 12-18.

Vikings Comeback Stuns Dragons

After a humbling in Perpignan earlier in the season, Widnes hosted Catalan looking to avoid being doubled by the Dragons but after only seven minutes, Catalan were in front as Millard crossed for the opening try but Bosc's miss with the boot meant a slim 0-4 lead.

Four minutes later, the Dragons were in again with Duport striking for a try with Bosc redeeming himself with the conversion for a 0-10 lead but Widnes responded well with Hanbury scoring in the 18th minute followed by a Tickle conversion for 6-10.

Widnes levelled with a try from White in the 28th minute but Tickle's missed conversion denied them a lead at 10 all but the lead did come inside five minutes as Marsh crossed for the hosts with Tickle converting for 16-10 to send them in front into the interval.

Catalan responded within eight minutes of the second half with Escare scoring a try and Bosc converting to level the sides at 16 all before the Dragons went in front three minutes later as Pryce crossed the Vikings line with Bosc's conversion making it 16-22.

After a superb fightback, Catalan were on fire as they posted another try through Oldfield but Bosc's missed conversion left a gap of ten points for Widnes to cancel out, a task they began on the hour mark when Owens scored but Tickle's miss with the boot left them a converted try behind at 20-26.

Last season, the sides shared the points in a 32 all draw but as time ticked down it seemed Catalan were on their way to completing a double over Widnes but Brown thought otherwise as he crossed for a try and despite a mixed evening with the boot, Tickle converted well for 26 all and a share of the points.

An incorrect result but a close prediction of 22-28 meaning the best possible outcome for the week was now 4/7. 

Wellens Double Downs Salford

St Helens reclaimed top spot from Leeds with a comfortable win over the struggling Salford Red Devils who fell behind in the 16th minute to a try from Wellens with Walsh's missed conversion attempt meaning a slim lead at 4-0.

Soliola crossed to extend the lead in the 27th minute with Walsh converting for 10-0 which soon became 16-0 when Hohaia struck and Walsh converted for a second time to give Salford a lot to do to comeback.

Five minutes into the second half, Salford responded with a try from Evalds and Smith's conversion reduced the deficit to 16-6 to give them hope of ending their poor form. However, Saints had other ideas as they raced further ahead when Wheeler crossed and Walsh converted to move to 22-6 before Walsh made it 24-6 with a penalty.

Salford surely needed to score next to have any hopes of coming back and avoid being doubled but when Wellens scored his second try in the 61st minute and Walsh converted for 30-6, heads dropped in the away terrace as another loss was on the cards,

The visitors reduced the deficit seven minutes later when Hock crossed for a try and Smith added a conversion for 30-12 but with only 12 minutes remaining, three tries was still a possibility for the visitors but the last say went to the hosts with Walsh scoring a last minute penalty for a 32-12 win. A correct result and achingly close prediction of 30-12.

Nine Try Hull Thrash London

London's horrific losing run extended to 15 as they were convincingly beaten by Hull who bounced back from a bad run of form with a superb 50 point haul but had to come from behind when Greenwood put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute with a try that was converted by Drinkwater for 6-0.

Ellis crossed for Hull five minutes later with Miller's conversion levelling the score at 6 all ahead of two tries in three minutes for the visitors from Lancaster and Westerman with both converted by Miler for a 6-18 lead.

Shaul crossed three minutes before the interval to extend the lead to 6-22 with Miller missing the conversion attempt but London reduced the deficit just seven minutes into the second half through Caton-Brown with Drinkwater converting for 12-22.

The ten point gap lasted until the hour mark when Hull added three further tries with Houghton crossing in the 61st minute ahead of Westerman and Lancaster claiming their second efforts of the afternoon in the 66th and 69th minutes all converted by Rankin for 12-40.

Hull completed the rout in style with two tries in the last three minutes, Rankin crossed for a try of his won but missed out on a perfect record with the boot before Talanoa struck for the final try with Rankin redeeming himself to secure a huge 12-50 win. A correct result but wide with the prediction of 16-26.

Wakefield Suffer Bulls Double

After London's heavy defeat on Saturday, Bradford knew a win over fellow strugglers Wakefield this afternoon would boost their survival hopes and two tries in nine minutes gave them a great start as Purtell and Olbison crossed for scores with both converted by Gale for a 12-0 lead.

Purtell sealed his second try of the afternoon on the half-hour mark and despite Gale missing with the boot, the Bulls led 16-0 at the interval. Wakefield responded with a try from Ryan which Sammut successfully converted as thoughts of their recent second half comebacks and Hull and Widnes came to mind.  

However, they suffered a blow when Moore was sin binned in the 52nd minute but surprisingly Bradford failed to use the extra man to their advantage aside from a Gale penalty in the 56th minute for 18-6. Wakefield's hopes slipped with six minutes remaining when Gale sent over a second penalty for a lead of 14 points at 20-6. 

Although the result was already confirmed, Wakefield had the last say when Ryan claimed his second try and Sammut converted for a final score of 20-12. An incorrect result and a wide prediction of 16-25.

Tigers End Robins Flight

After a good run of form, Hull KR faced a tough trip to Castleford and came away with their confidence in tatters after the Tigers ran in 11 tries in a comfortable win.

Channing put the hosts in front inside four minutes with Sneyd converting for a 6-0 lead before Dorn crossed for a try eight minutes later for a 10-0 lead with Sneyd missing the conversion attempt. Castleford were on fire and struck a third try in the 22nd minute when Millington crossed and Sneyd converted for 16-0.

Three tries in eight minutes put Castleford 28-0 up at the interval with Dixon crossing ahead of second tries of the afternoon for Channing and Dorn with Sneyd missing all three conversion attempts in what was becoming a mixed afternoon for him.

The Robins responded with Burns crossing in the 48th minute before successfully converting his own try to reduce the deficit to 28-6. However, the small joy was limited as Castleford scored twice in five minutes through Ellis and Dorn completing his hat-trick with Sneyd converting both for a 40-6 lead.

Any slim hopes that the Robins had vanished when Weyman was dismissed for dissent, a blow that worsened when Webster and Huby crossed in the space of two minutes with a single conversion from Sneyd for 50-6.

Clare sealed the win with a try six minutes from the end but the Robins had the last say when Ulugia scored in the final minute with Burns converting for a final score of 54-12. A correct result but miles off with the prediction of 31-30.