Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup: Three sides through to the semi-finals; Hull FC or Catalans Dragons set to join them

Three of the four semi-finalists in the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup are now confirmed, following London Roosters’ outstanding performance against Edinburgh Giants at the weekend.

The Roosters join Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos, and will be at home to either Hull FC or Catalans Dragons in the semi-finals.

Super League side Roosters ran in 21 tries to overcome novices Edinburgh Giants in York on Saturday and will now host Hull or holders Catalans in the Challenge Cup semi-final, who meet next Saturday.

The Giants qualified as runners up in the Challenge Trophy and this was their first full 80-minute game.

Mason Billington, on debut for London and in only his second-ever game, ran in four tries, as did England internationals Lewis King and Joe Coyd, together with Jason Owen.

Coyd kicked nine goals and Owen five, the Roosters leading 46-0 at the break.

London and England head coach Tom Coyd, MBE commented: “I want to pay credit to Edinburgh, they pushed their fingers to the bone and fought tooth and nail for every inch.

“It was a fantastic challenge in our first match of the season. It is also a privilege to have been their first ever opponent in a full match. We have plenty to build on and much anticipation for the Challenge Cup semi-final.”

Matt Wass scored the first of his two tries to open the scoring, Steve Murphy also claiming a brace and Jack Linden one touchdown for London.

John Willans, who battled throughout, scored early in the second half for Edinburgh, the final score-line finishing 108-4.

“Today London showed why they are a top side, the speed, game management and execution meant they were too hot to handle,” said Giants coach Martyn Gill. “That was our ninth game as a club and to have earned the right to share that stage will only motivate us to keep working hard. We wish them the best of luck with the rest of the competition and season.”

Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup quarter-final results to date:

Wigan Warriors 70 Halifax Panthers 32

Leeds Rhinos 86 Hereford Harriers 12

London Roosters 108 Edinburgh Giants 4

Hull FC play Catalans Dragons in the remaining quarter-final this Saturday (11 May), 5pm, Allam Sports Centre. 

The winner will travel to London Roosters in the semis on Saturday 18 May.

The other semi-final is Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors (which means three Wigan sides will be in Challenge Cup Semi-Final action on the same weekend).

The Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final will be held at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield, on Saturday 1 June, K.O. 2:30pm and will be streamed live on BBC Sport. Ticketing arrangements will be confirmed in due course.