RUGBY UNION: TETLEY'S SUPER LEAGUE PLAY-OFF IN CAS-UALTY

BRAVE Cas made it nine matches without a win against Wigan, who ensured history didn't come back to haunt Stuart Raper's Grand Final hopefuls.

Wigan chief Raper was in charge of the Tigers when they pulled off a shock play-off win in the first rugby league match at the JJB Stadium three years ago.

But Cas, 150-1 outsiders for the Super League crown, couldn't repeat the performance despite a battling effort.

The Warriors are now at home to Leeds Rhinos in the next sudden- death clash on Friday on the road to Old Trafford on October 19.

Wigan were without six of the side which beat St Helens in the Challenge Cup final in April but led 14-10 at half-time with tries from Adrian Lam and David Hodgson.

Cas replied through Waine Pryce and Michael Eagar with Andy Farrell's marksmanship proving the difference before the break.

Skipper Farrell, after an injury-plagued season, resumed the kicking duties for the first time since June 8 to finish with five goals from six attempts.

Danny Tickle's disputed try early in the second half proved crucial with video referee Steve Cross awarding the touchdown despite Cas claims that Kris Radlinski knocked on Lam's pass before hacking ahead.

Cross had earlier upset Wigan fans by correctly awarding Eagar's try after youngster Martin Aspinwall failed to hang on to the Tigers centre.

Cross had another difficult decision to make, disallowing lively Cas full-back Darren Rogers' try claims 13 minutes from time, finally ending the Tigers' hopes.

Furner added a fourth try to round it off before a consolation for Eagar in front of only 8,381 fans.WIGAN Tries: Lam, Hodgson, Tickle, Furner. Goals: Farrell 5.

CASTLEFORD Tries: Pryce, Eagar 2. Goals: Bartrim.

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