Wakefield Trinity defied the first-half sending of forward Matty Storton as they maintained their charge towards a top-two finish with a 52-14 thrashing of Castleford Tigers.

The sides were level at 6-6 after 23 minutes when Storton was dismissed for an alleged shoulder to the head of Tigers’ Alex Mellor. When Castleford went four points ahead it looked like being a close-fought game, but Wakefield were in a different class once they got back in front.

Despite a disastrous start, Tigers were competitive for half an hour and deserved their lead. However, they had no answer when Trinity hit their stride, with forward Caius Faatili leading the hosts’ charge.

Wakefield Trinity's Caius Faatili goes over to score a try in the 52-14 win against Castleford Tigers. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Wakefield Trinity's Caius Faatili goes over to score a try in the 52-14 win against Castleford Tigers. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

Cas conceded in the opening set for the second time in six days, Trinity scoring inside half a minute. Tom Johnstone made the break and Storton was in support to cross unopposed. Max Jowitt, recalled to the side and playing at scrum-half, landed the first of his eight goals from nine attempts.

It took an error by Jazz Tevaga to give the visitors field position and that, plus a drop out cleverly forced by Liam Hood, led to them getting back on terms after 16 minutes. Daejarn Asi’s kick on the last was deflected to Tom Weaver and he picked up for a try which he also converted.

Storton’s red card was followed quickly by Tigers’ second try, Jason Qareqare speeding over after good work by Asi and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e. Despite the numerical difference, it was largely one-way traffic after that and the home side regained the lead 10 minutes before the break when Caleb Hamlin-Uele got a remarkable offload away to Faatili who spun over for a touchdown which was improved by Jowitt.

Trinity then scored two converted tries in four minutes either side of half-time to take a firm grip on the game. Jowitt went over from acting-half before Qareqare couldn’t take Jake Trueman’s towering kick and Isaiah Vagana picked up to go over off a one-two with Cam Scott.

Tom Johnstone touches down for his second try in Wakefield Trinity's 52-14 hammering of Castleford Tigers. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

That broke Tigers’ resistance and they went on to concede five more. Johnstone grabbed back-to-back touchdowns, off passes from Jowitt and then Trueman; Corey Hall - back in the side after injury - forced his way over from close-range and Lachlan Walmsley crossed twice, both coming after high kicks aimed towards Qareqare.

The Tigers winger endured a traumatic second half, but did have the final say with a try three minutes from the end.

Wakefield Trinity: Rourke, Walmsley, Scott, C Hall, Johnstone, Trueman, Jowitt, McMeeken, Smoothie, Rodwell, Storton, Vagana, Tevaga. Subs Pitts, Hamlin-Uele, Faatili, Smith.

Castleford Tigers: Laulu-Togaga’e, Qareqare, Mapapalangi, Mellor, Ravalawa, Asi, Weaver, Dupree, Hood, Stimson, Golding, Lane, Brown. Subs Atoni, Ashworth, Hall, Robb.

Referee: Tom Grant (Leeds).