Here’s how Saturday’s semi-final action unfolded…
The Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Finals got underway at a SOLD OUT LNER Community Stadium in York on a sunny Saturday, as Wigan Warriors and Hull KR booked their place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June.
Denis Betts’ Wigan Warriors Women secured their first ever Women’s Challenge Cup Final appearance with a stunning 80-minute performance against last year’s finalists Leeds Rhinos.
The Warriors ran in nine tries against their opponents and started strongly as Anna Davies crossed for Wigan twice inside the opening ten minutes.
It was one way traffic in the first forty as Georgia Wilson, Grace Banks, Megan Williams and Emily Veivers added to the tally and the Warriors stormed to an ample 30-0 lead at the break.
Emerging powerhouses Wigan continued their energy well into the second stanza and picked up where they left off as Molly Jones and Player of the Match Banks touched down for more tries.
Two-time Challenge Cup winners Leeds showed improvements in the second half, however, and managed to muster up two scores from Jenna Greening and Tally Bryer around the hour mark.
But the Warriors hit back through their breakout star Izzy Rowe to make history and ensure that the third Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley would feature a brand-new finalist.
It was also Wigan's first victory over Leeds since 2018 as the Warriors continued their development and rise of becoming genuine contenders under head coach Denis Betts.
The Rhinos might have had the last of the say in Saturday’s semi-final tie, with Mel Howard racing away to score on the hooter – but it was to be the Warriors’ afternoon.
Also on Saturday, high flying Hull KR beat Catalans Dragons 36-12 in a semi-final thriller to reach their second Challenge Cup Final in three years.
A James Batchelor double put the Robins 10-0 up initially to send the York crowd into raptures, but Catalans soon hit back as Reimis Smith cleverly stepped his way to the try line.
Luke Keary then gave the Dragons a short-lived lead after beating multiple defenders to the ball to score - a ball which bounced here, there and everywhere from Tommy Makinson’s high kick.
But magic Mikey Lewis had the final say of the first half and was there in support to receive teammate Jai Whitbread’s offload and dot down.
The second half would go on to see a trademark stellar showing from Willie Peters’ Robins, who came alive to produce 20 unanswered points.
Momentum swang as KR drew first blood with a successful penalty goal, before Jack Broadbent glided through the Catalans line and raced away to score.
The celebrations could finally begin for the Rovers when Player of the Match Broadbent completed his double nearly ten minutes from time - after he was on the end of some electric attack which started on the halfway line.
Joe Burgess then added extra icing on the cake as he flew over in the corner, meaning that Hull KR progress to the Challenge Cup Final and edge ever closer to their chance of silverware...
Saturday's Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final results:
Leeds Rhinos 14 Wigan Warriors 44
Hull KR 36 Catalans Dragons 12
Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cups!
The second set of semi-finals will take place tomorrow (Sunday 11 May) with St Helens v York Valkyrie (K.O. 1.45pm), live on BBC iPlayer and Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards (K.O. 4.30pm), live on BBC Two.
Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June is a triple-header featuring the finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup (Men’s and Women’s), alongside the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final. Tickets are on sale now!
