The Betfred Challenge Cup Third action continued on Saturday, and both Betfred Super League sides progressed in the early kick-offs, however, it was far from straightforward.
The opening game of the day saw Castleford Tigers travel to Doncaster. Ryan Carr's side kept the Dons scoreless in their 14-0 success, although they were pushed all the way by Richard Horne's men.
Joe Stimson opened the scoring just after the 20 minute mark. Tom Weaver added the extras, which was the only other points of the half.
In the second half, Blake Taaffe crossed for the Tigers' second with Weaver on target again. Weaver kept his 100% record with a penalty later in the contest.
Brad Arthur's Leeds Rhinos survived a scare away at Widnes Vikings.
The visitors took the lead through George Brown, however, Mike Butt hit back to level the scores at 6-6.
Brodie Croft was caught high and Leeds opted to go back ahead through a penalty. This was followed by back-to-back tries from Danny Levi and Brown, as the Rhinos went in to the break with a 18-6 lead.
Butt gave Widnes hope with his second, but the try of the match sealed the result for the Rhinos. Riley Lumb skipped past the Widnes defence to put themselves 12 points ahead, before Croft added a drop-goal in the 25-12 win.
The later games also saw both Super League teams progress with York Knights coming away with a hard fought 6-32 victory away at Barrow Raiders.
Nikau Williams bagged a brace with Toa Mata'afa, Jack Martin, Jesse Dee and Ollie Field also on the scoresheet, as well as Paul Vaughan who touched down on his debut.
At Colwyn Bay, Leigh Leopards ran in eleven tries against North Wales Crusaders to book their place in the Fourth Round.
Betfred Challenge Cup Round 3 - Results
- Hunslet 6-52 Huddersfield Giants
- Workington Town 2-98 St Helens
- Sheffield Eagles 6-34 Warrington Wolves
- Lock Lane 0-104 Hull KR
- Salford 0-60 Hull FC
- Doncaster 0 14 Castleford Tigers
- Widnes Vikings 12 25 Leeds Rhinos
- Barrow Raiders 6 32 York Knights
- North Wales Crusaders 6 60 Leigh Leopards
Sunday 7 February
- Batley Bulldogs v Catalans Dragons (2pm)
- Halifax Panthers v Goole Vikings (3pm)
- Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes (3pm)
- London Broncos v Bradford Bulls (3pm) – Live on BBC Sport
- Oldham v Dewsbury Rams (3pm)
- Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors (3pm)
- Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity (3pm)
Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates:
- Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
- Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
- Quarter Finals – April 11-12
- Semi Finals – May 9/10
- Final – Saturday May 30
It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!
