Two tries from Matty Ashton gave Warrington Wolves a comfortable Super League win over Castleford Tigers.
Tigers, now winless in their opening three matches, struck first with an early Josh Simm score.
But Warrington replied immediately, with fullback Ashton’s scores giving them the lead.
Sam Burgess’s side extended their lead immediately after the break through Matt Dufty, before Josh Thewliss’ late try confirmed a sizeable victory.
Both sides paid tribute to former head coach Darryl van de Velde before kick-off, following his death at the age of 72 earlier this week.
Simm’s lovely team try after four minutes silenced the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but fears of a shock were allayed when Ashton scored brilliantly in the left corner, his acrobatic finish levelling things up.
The hosts scored twice more before the break, with centre Stefan Ratchford’s kicking pushing Wire further clear.
The centre’s inclusion was a surprise to many, with young talent Connor Wrench rested after a strong start to the season. But his 100% success from the tee compounded Castleford’s struggles.
Dufty’s individual try at the start of the second half epitomised Warrington’s approach, with their strong carries and quick ball too much for the visitor’s defence.
Josh Thewlis’ try pushed Warrington beyond 30 points with a score in the left corner.
The Tigers, who showed plenty of endeavour and heart but lacked a cutting edge beyond Innes Senior’s second-half try, have now lost their opening three matches.
Burgess’s Wire side, meanwhile, have recovered from an opening weekend defeat by Catalan Dragons to record back-to-back victories.
Warrington: Dufty, Thewlis, King, Ratchford, Ashton, Hayes, Drinkwater, Harrison, Walker, Vaughan, Holroyd, Fitzgibbon, Currie.
Interchanges: Philbin, Musgrove, Powell, Wood.
Castleford: Hooley, Simm, Broadbent, Wood, Senior, Milnes, Miller, Lawler, Horne, Mustapha, El-Zakhem, Mellor, Westerman.
Interchanges: Putt, Hall, Kibula, Johnson.
Referee: Aaron Moore
