COACH Tony Smith blamed fatigue for Warrington’s second defeat over Easter after the 28-6 loss at home to Castleford.

Castleford ran in five tries and were worthy winners as they bounced back from their 35-6 derby drubbing by Wakefield on Good Friday.

Smith said: “Fatigue got us and it’s hard for these guys to put their bodies on the line twice in three days.

“Both teams were similar for long periods but Cas were able to lift a few times and take their opportunities.

“They were not much better than us in the first half and both teams looked like they had played two days ago. We were flat.

“Their kicking game was very good and that was the difference. That put us on the back foot and we didn’t play the smartest.

“Our confidence is down but Ben Westwood was our stand-out player. He is a quality workhorse and what a trojan. It’s going to take time and it can’t be turned round in six games.”

Castleford coach Terry Matterson said: “We lost Brett Ferres, James Evans, Ryan Hudson and Chris Feather through injury and it was great to bounce back after Friday’s defeat.

“Wakefield did a great job on us and we did the same to Warrington. We were ruthless and our defence was outstanding.

“Friday had something to do with the first 30 minutes but then we looked stronger.”