Wigan Warriors secured back-to-back Challenge Cup trophies on Saturday, after beating rivals St Helens 54-6.
The action at Wembley Stadium continued with the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, following an all-Wigan Year 7 Boys’ Champions School Final just an hour earlier, and the current holders were looking to retain their title, whilst record winners Saints were desperate to regain it.
But nothing could prepare the Red V for what was to come, as the Warriors ruled in the sunshine, with a clinical performance many have become accustomed to seeing in recent seasons.
Denis Betts’ Warriors got off to a red-hot start, with captain Georgia Wilson crossing for the opening try, before Woman of Steel Eva Hunter stripped past her defenders on the left edge to score a brilliant brace of tries.
23 minutes in, Beri Salihi added to Wigan’s tally, as she side-stepped her way to the try-line to score against her former club.
And it wasn’t long before Anna Davies was on the scoresheet following her effort in the corner, although Saints did hit back before the break, through Luci McColm.
After the interval, Davies was at the double and Grace Banks ensured a sixth Wigan try.
Then, there was no stopping Eva Hunter who crashed over her a third and fourth - equalling the record for the amount of tries scored by an individual player in the women’s final.
Remi Wilton then rounded off a memorable victory with a try on the 68th minute.
This win means the Warriors have retained the trophy for a second year running.
Wigan Warriors
Teams: Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Beri Salihi, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Isabel Rowe, Mary Coleman, Remi Wilton, Bethan Dainton, Eva Hunter, Cerys Jones, Megan Williams. Subs: Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Kelsey Gentles, Lucie Sams. 18th Player: Ruby Hunter
Tries: Wilson (6), Hunter (12, 16, 58, 65), Salihi (23), Davies (37, 41), Banks (51), Wilton (68)
Goals: Rowe (7/10)
St Helens
Teams: Rebecca Rotheram, Leah Burke, Amy Hardcastle, Rachael Woosey, Dani McGifford, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin, Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth, Caitlin Casey, Erin McDonald, Paige Travis, Emily, Jodie Cunningham. Subs: Vicky Whitfield, Katie Mottershead, Luci McColm, Alyx Bridge. 18th Player: Hollie Bawden
Tries: McColm (40)
Goals: Gaskin (1/1)
Half-time: 28-6
Full-time: 54-6
Player of the Match: Jenna Foubister
