The Women were in action again this weekend, as the second set of group fixtures in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup took place.
Cardiff Demons have confirmed their place in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals for only the second time following an impressive 58-0 defeat of Salford Red Devils on Sunday.
Seven players crossed the whitewash for the Demons with winger Zoe Heely accounting for five tries on the day - Ian Newbury’s side will now face Wigan Warriors to determine which team will top Group Two.
And the Warriors had to come from behind to keep their Challenge Cup dream alive against former head coach, Amanda Wilkinsons’ Barrow Raiders. Barrow built up an 18-6 score-line after 50 minutes of play in a much-improved performance, but Wigan fought back to score three unanswered tries in the last half an hour of the game. This was paired with an excellent conversion by Isabel Rowe in the 76th minute to see them to a narrow victory.
Leeds Rhinos equalled their highest ever score in a match as twelve different try scorers added to a 92-0 victory over Hull KR at Sewell Group Craven Park. Individual records were broken too, as a hat-trick and 13 goals from Ruby Enright saw her break Courtney Winfield-Hill’s record of 36 against York Valkyrie in 2018.
Huddersfield Giants continued their perfect form with a win over Leigh Leopards which featured more brilliance from Amelia Brown and Ana Da Silva. Brown opened the scoring in the 12th minute before adding another two stunning efforts before the break. She completed her five try haul in the second half with Da Silva bagging a brace and scoring for a second week on the bounce, as the visitors triumphed.
In the capital, Warrington Wolves overcame a spirited London Broncos to take a step closer to the Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals. Armani Sharrock has made an immediate impact since her transition from player to head coach and will face local rivals St Helens on Saturday 6 April to determine which of the two sides finish top of Group Three.
Featherstone Rovers got their campaign off to a winning start at the Millenium Stadium against Sheffield Eagles. It was an even contest for much of the first half with Featherstone leading by just four points going into the break but tries from Hannah Watt, Katie Evans, Brogan Churm and Chloe Billington eventually led the home side to victory.
Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Round 2 results in full:
Cardiff Demons 58 Salford Red Devils 0
Barrow Raiders 18 Wigan Warriors 20
Hull KR 0 Leeds Rhinos 92
Leigh Leopards 6 Huddersfield Giants 36
London Broncos 6 Warrington Wolves 24
Featherstone Rovers 38 Sheffield Eagles 6
Bradford Bulls 0 St Helens 48 (forfeited)
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup fixtures can be found here, with the final set of group ties to be played on 6/7 April.
The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final (KO 11.45am) will once again be part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the final of the Betfred Men’s Challenge Cup (KO 3pm) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.
Photo Credit: John Victor and Featherstone Rovers
