The Quarter-Finalists of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup have been confirmed following an intense final round in the group stage of the competition.
Cardiff Demons kicked off the Weekend when they faced Featherstone Rovers on Saturday in a rematch of the 2025 Northern Championship Semi-Finals, which sent Rovers to the Final and secured their place in the 2026 Betfred Women’s Super League.
A missed opportunity in the first minute of the game meant Cardiff’s Frances Layton opened up the scoring 20 minutes later with the only try of the first half.
As the teams returned after the break, the Demons increased their lead within the first two minutes, taking the score to 10-0.
Rovers brought the scoreline back within reach after Chloe Billington spotted a gap in the opponents’ defence, but an error gave away a penalty to Cardiff which saw them continue to widen the gap.
With ten minutes to go, the Demons had all but confirmed their place in the Quarter Finals after Zoe Heeley took off to make it across the full length of the field and score underneath the sticks, with the Rovers’ final try that followed being their last in the 2026 cup.
On Sunday, Leeds Rhinos hosted London Broncos at West Park.
The two sides had already secured their next step in the cup and now looked to claim home advantage as they moved into the quarters.
Both teams made a positive start in the competition after securing strong wins against Leigh Leopards.
But the Rhinos proved an unstoppable force in their second match, not allowing the Broncos any points on the board.
Evie Cousins had a standout game, contributing four tries to the Rhinos’ 13, with Ruby Enright, Lucy Murray, Connie Boyd and Ebony Stead’s doubles helping the Rhinos enter the Quarter-Finals without conceding a single point.
The final game of the weekend saw St Helens host Catalans Dragons at the BrewDog Stadium.
The hosts wasted no time building pressure, driving Catalans to their own 10-metre line and forcing several errors.
Emily Rudge quickly opened up the scoring at the five-minute mark as Faye Gaskin added the conversion.
Control remained firmly in the hands of the Saints, who continued to attack and build a strong lead. Leading 36-0 at the break, they quickly picked up where they left off racking up an even bigger scoreline as they went.
The Dragons got their only try of the day after the hour mark, applying pressure to the Saints’ defence and capitalising on a gap.
Nonetheless St Helens responded immediately, and their continued intensity saw them comfortably head into the quarters at 62-4, with hat-tricks for Dani McGifford and Leah Burke.
Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Round 3 results:
Cardiff Demons 24 Featherstone Rovers 12
St Helens 62 Catalans Dragons 4
Leeds Rhinos 72 London Broncos 0
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals – April 25/26:
St Helens v Barrow Raiders
Leeds Rhinos v Cardiff Demons
Wigan Warriors v London Broncos
York Valkyrie v Huddersfield Giants
Photo Credit: Leeds Rhinos
