Challenge Cup: Wigan beat Castleford after impressive first-half display

Sam Tomkins (right) celebrates his try against Castleford

Wigan Warriors remain on course for a record-extending 20th Challenge Cup final success after easing to a 26-12 win over Castleford in Saturday's quarter-final at the DW Stadium.

The Warriors cruised to victory, having led 22-0 at the interval after a clinical first-half display, and will next face Super League leaders Hull FC in a mouth-watering semi-final.

Departing duo Josh Charnley and Dan Sarginson combined for three first-half tries for Wigan, and full-back Sam Tomkins bagged his first Challenge Cup try since the 2013 final.

The hosts took the lead after just five minutes when Sarginson, who is moving to the NRL next year, was sent over by Tomkins after a good break by Ryan Sutton.

Matty Smith added the first of his three goals but Wigan then found themselves needing to defend resolutely, Sarginson stopping Luke Dorn short of the line, before Ben Crooks got over but was unable to ground the ball.

Castleford had prop forward Grant Millington filling in at stand-off, a ploy that paid off in their win over Salford in the last round but was less successful this time, and Tomkins then evaded Millington to extend the Wigan lead.

Josh Charnley made it over for Wigan's third try

The Warriors then survived another scare when Denny Solomona, Super League's leading tryscorer, made a dive for the corner but was bundled into touch, and the hosts pulled clear when Charnley, who is off to rugby union side Sale at the end of the season, bagged a brace before half-time.

A midfield break from substitute forward Taulima Tautai set up the first, as Charnley caught the Castleford defenders napping at a play-the-ball.

And his second try was a lovely score as Wigan moved the ball from right to left and a long pass from George Williams put Charnley over in the corner.

The Tigers again threatened at the start of the second-half but Greg Minikin had his pass intercepted by Sarginson after breaking through the line, and the Wigan man again excelled in defence when he tackled Solomona into touch after the winger had gathered a Luke Gale kick.

The Warriors seemed to lose their edge when Sutton went off with a head knock and Castleford finally got on the scoreboard when a Junior Moors break set up a score for Gale, who added the goal.

Dom Manfredi scored a contentious second half try for Wigan

But Wigan then wrapped things up with their only try of the second-half, a fortuitous score for Dom Manfredi, who tried to dive on the loose ball after Smith's grubber kick had taken a very unkind bounce and eluded Dorn.

Manfredi did not appear to touch down the ball but video referee Robert Hicks could not find enough evidence to overrule Chris Campbell's initial decision.

Castleford had the consolation of wrapping up the scoring in the final minute when Crooks touched down after Joel Monaghan had thrown the ball inside, as he was being forced into touch.