Victories for St Helens and Leeds in Betfred Women's Challenge Cup

Current Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup holders St Helens began the defence of their title in style with a dominant 0-68 victory over Barrow Raiders at Craven Park on Saturday afternoon, in front of the BBC Sport cameras.

Amy Hardcastle was the standout performer for Derek Hardman’s side as the experienced England international notched four tries. Fellow England international Leah Burke scored a hat-trick while Paige Travis notched a brace. 

Tara Jones, Danielle Bush, Vicky Whitfield and Katie Mottershead were all also on the scoresheet. 

St Helens now top Group 1 under the newly restructured Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup with the British Army and Warrington Wolves to meet on Sunday in the other tie from their pool.

Elsewhere, two-time winners of the competition, Leeds Rhinos, also begun their campaign with victory as they saw off West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants 8-38 at the John Smith’s Stadium. 

Halfback Georgia Roche – who signed for the Rhinos from Castleford Tigers in the off-season - impressed scoring twice on her competitive debut. 

Fellow England squad members Fran Goldthorp and Keara Bennett were on the scoresheet in the first half before Tasha Gaines, Shannon Lacey and Sam Hulme extended the visitors lead after the break. 

Huddersfield had taken the lead through Amelia Brown after seven minutes. Angel Howey went over for a consolation effort for the Giants with eight minutes remaining. 

Leeds will sit top of Group 2 following the victory with Leigh Miners Rangers set to host Hull FC on Sunday afternoon.

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Round 1 Results:

Saturday 12 March

Group 1 

• Barrow Raiders 0-68 St Helens 

Group 2 

• Huddersfield Giants 8-38 Leeds Rhinos

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Round 1 Fixtures:

Sunday 13 March 

Group 1

• Army Rugby League v Warrington Wolves – 2pm 

Group 2 

• Leigh Miners Rangers v Hull FC – 2pm

Group 3 

• Dewsbury Moor v York City Knights – 2pm
• Bradford Bulls v Wigan Warriors – 5:15pm 

Group 4 

• Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – 2pm
• Oulton Raidettes v Featherstone Rovers – 2pm