14 Apr 2024
Men’s and Women’s Quarter-Finals Review & Semi-Finals confirmed | Betfred Challenge Cup
The draw for the semi-finals of both the Men’s and Women’s competitions in the Betfred Challenge Cup was made live on BBC TV during half-time of today’s televised quarter-final tie between St Helens and Warrington Wolves, where Warrington won a pulsating encounter 31-8, and will face a showdown with Huddersfield Giants on Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 May for a place in the final.
Sam Burgess passed his first major test as Wolves’ head coach, his charges – including outstanding England duo Matty Ashton and George Williams – delivering the knock-out blows with a sensational team performance.
The Wolves were certainly up for the cup on Sunday afternoon, as a thrilling contest unfolded at the Totally Wicked Stadium in front of 11,000+ crowd.
The scores were tight at 6-7 heading into the break, before a brilliant blitz of Warrington tries would secure a semi-final spot in style.
Huddersfield Giants too are just one step away from Wembley – and a second Challenge Cup Final in three years – following a superb performance in Perpignan against one of the competition’s favourites, Catalans Dragons.
The Giants scored five tries before the home side finally got off the mark, but Matt Ikuvalu’s effort was scant consolation for the Dragons as Ian Watson’s side triumphed 34-6 with six different try-scorers.
Hull KR’s dream of a winning return to Wembley after last year’s heartbreak at the hands of Leigh Leopards is alive and kicking after they avenged that defeat at the Sewell Group Craven Park.
The Robins overturned a 4-8 half-time deficit and held off a determined late fightback from the Leopards to triumph 26-14.
With minutes to go Elliott Minchella went flying under the sticks for the match-winner, to book Hull KR’s place in the semis and knock out the current Challenge Cup holders.
Standing in Rovers’ way are Wigan Warriors, who outclassed Castleford Tigers 60-6 in a one-sided quarter-final on Tigers’ territory.
Twelve tries from the Warriors ensured an easy victory on the day, as the visitors ruthlessly dominated to move one step closer to a Wembley appearance.
And Wigan Warriors will have two teams in semi-final action in May, with the Women comfortably winning their quarter-final against Cardiff Demons by 44 points to 4.
It was back-to-back wins for Denis Betts’ side over Cardiff Demons, as a nine-try display saw the Warriors overcome the Welsh side for a second time in a week.
They will now play Leeds Rhinos Women, who swept aside Warrington Wolves Women 70-10 at AMT Headingley Stadium.
This included tries from Rhinos full-back Ruby Enright, who crossed for four - and there was a debut to remember for Evie Cousins who marked her long-awaited first appearance after a year-long injury setback with two tries.
St Helens will have one side in the semi-finals though, after the Women demolished Huddersfield Giants 74-0 to maintain their hopes of a return to Wembley Stadium and a fourth consecutive Challenge Cup success.
Saints’ Leah Burke was a hat-trick hero as she went over her first points of the season, with Naomi Williams and Darcy Stott also bagging braces, alongside the seven other individuals on the scoresheet.
For St Helens Women to make the final, they will have to get past reigning Betfred Women’s Super League Champions York Valkyrie, who defeated Featherstone Rovers 74-0.
The Challenge Cup is the only trophy to still allude Lindsey Anfield’s Women, who now find themselves one game within Wembley once again.
Betfred Men’s Challenge Cup semi-final draw:
Hull KR v Wigan Warriors
Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final draw:
St Helens v York Valkyrie
Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos
The semi-finals of both competitions will be played as Men’s/Women’s double-headers on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May. Venues and ticketing arrangements will be announced as early as possible this week.
Both finals will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, as part of a Finals Day triple-header alongside the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.
