Wakefield Trinity put in a dominant display to beat rivals Castleford Tigers 52-14 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, overcoming a first-half red card to make it six wins in a row and strengthen their unexpected push up the Super League table.
Big scoreline despite a sending-off
The match got off to a flying start for Trinity when Tom Johnstone sliced down the left inside the opening minute and found Matty Storton, who powered over for the opening try and had the distinction — and later the misfortune — of the evening. Storton was sent off shortly before half-time for shoulder contact with the head of Alex Mellor, leaving Wakefield to play with 12 men for almost three-quarters of the contest.
Rather than folding, Daryl Powell's side regrouped. Bench forward Caius Faatili came on to score under the posts and Max Jowitt added points with conversions and a try of his own. Half-back Jake Trueman was influential across the park, orchestrating attacks and creating space for a rampant Trinity side.
Second-half surge
Wakefield ran in nine tries in total as Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each crossed twice. Isaiah Vagana, Corey Hall and two tries from Tom Johnstone’s support play ensured the hosts pulled away after the break. Jowitt ended the night with eight successful goal kicks.
- Final score: Wakefield Trinity 52 – Castleford Tigers 14
- Key try scorers for Trinity: Storton, Faatili, Jowitt, Vagana, Johnstone (2), Hall, Walmsley (2)
- Castleford scorers: Tom Weaver, Jason Qareqare (2)
| Team | Tries | Goals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakefield Trinity | 9 | 8 | 52 |
| Castleford Tigers | 3 | 1 | 14 |
Castleford briefly led in the first half after Jason Qareqare and Tom Weaver scored, taking advantage of the momentum created by the Storton dismissal. But Wakefield's response, led by quick ball and accurate kicking, swung the game back before half-time and they never looked back.
Local impact and what it means
The victory cements Trinity's recent run of form and will buoy supporters across Wakefield. For Castleford, the defeat is a heavy setback following their recent positive result against Leeds; their defence was repeatedly punished by Wakefield's finishing once the hosts found space.
For fans planning ahead, Trinity's sustained form suggests continued attraction for home fixtures at DIY Kitchens Stadium, while Castleford will need to regroup and address defensive lapses ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Match summary — key moments:
- 00:45: Johnstone assists Storton for the opening try.
- 16:00: Castleford level through Tom Weaver.
- 22:00: Matty Storton sent off for shoulder contact.
- 29:00–Half-time: Faatili and Jowitt put Wakefield ahead.
- Second half: Trinity score five more to run away with the game.
The result will be discussed in local pubs, on terraces and among the wider Wakefield community as signs that Trinity are a force to be reckoned with this season.
