Eight teams ready to battle it out in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals

The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup returns this weekend (April 26/27) with eight teams set to battle it to move one step closer to the Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June. 

One team competing in this stage of the competition for the very first time is Championship side London Broncos - who stunned Betfred Women’s Super League side Barrow Raiders last Sunday.  

“We haven't faced Barrow Raiders before, so it was a hard game. We didn't know what to expect,” admits London’s Kathryn Salter. 

“We knew that they were a Super League team, so we were going to have to step up and do what we could. We just tried to play on the front foot. I think I made a few mistakes which actually let them into the game. But full credit to the girls for really putting the work in and getting the win.” 

That victory now sees the capital side head to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday (KO 12pm) to face current holders St Helens. 

“We know it's going be a big challenge against St Helens. We've had them in the group stages the last couple of years and obviously they've been hard games, but we're hoping that we can improve our scores and put our name out there.” 

And the Wales international views Sunday’s clash as the perfect time to put Southern Rugby League on the map:

“We’re going to be playing against an opposition that are well drilled, who know what they're doing and it will test us. So, we can only go out there and do our best.  

“But when you play against girls that play week in, week out with each other and have done for years – Rugby League is their thing. We're trying to make it our game in the South as well and we can only do that by playing teams like the top four to improve.” 

One team with their sights set firmly on their first Wembley appearance are York Valkyrie - who have been boosted by the return of their captain Sinead Peach following the birth of her son. 

The hooker made her first appearance for the Valkyrie since 2023 at the beginning of this season’s Challenge Cup campaign and has relished being back on the pitch. 

“To start with it was a bit difficult trying to manage the new routine” admitted the 26-year-old. “But I've got a really supportive family which has made coming back so much easier and obviously physically getting back into my rugby it's just been baby steps; I've been realistic with myself. 

“But I’m also making sure that I'm pushing myself enough to keep improving, to earn the shirt back and to be good enough to captain the girls again.” 

Another proud moment for the England international came against Featherstone Rovers with Peach getting to walkout her team with son Carter and nephew Reggie. 

“When I walked out with Carter and my little nephew, Reggie. Oh God, that was just amazing. It was a dream come true. Walking out with my son and him watching me play in the stands was a very special moment.” 

Despite their Super League success, York are yet to lay hands on the Women’s Challenge Cup and their captain insists they just need to focus on themselves, and the rest will come.  

“It's the one that keeps slipping away! It’s definitely on our radar, but obviously Lindsay and us girls are focusing on each other and the vibe in the camp. We’re doing all we can to better ourselves as players and on the back of that, if we can gain momentum and get a trophy at the end of it then that’s amazing.” 

But they’ll have to defeat a determined Leigh Leopards side on Sunday (KO 12pm) to get there. 

“We’re still in a building stage at the moment with new players like Ellie Willamson coming in and myself coming back and playing with Megan Pakulis and Lisa Parker for the first time. 

“We know Leigh will give us a game - they're feisty girls and they always give it their all. It will be a tasty game and a good stepping stone from the teams we faced in the group stage of the Cup.” 

The quarter-finals of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup will take place this weekend with the Semi-Finals due to be played as part of a double header with the Men’s competition on May 10/11. 

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup quarter-final fixtures: 

Saturday 26 April 

St Helens v London Broncos (Totally Wicked Stadium, KO 1pm) 

Sunday 27 April 

York Valkyrie v Leigh Leopards (AMT Headingley Stadium, KO 12pm) 

Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants (LNER Community Stadium, KO 12pm) 

Wigan Warriors v Cardiff Demons (Robin Park, KO 1pm) 

The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June, alongside the finals of the Men's 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final. Tickets are on sale now!

Photo Credit: London Broncos