With the Wembley Finalists confirmed for the Betfred Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cups, we take a look at some of the semi-final stat standouts (All stats provided by Opta) from the weekend…
Saints Women became the first team to book their place in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup in Saturday’s double-header in Doncaster.
A strong and patient Saints outfit ran in six sensational tries to defeat York Valkyrie and sealed their return to Wembley for a second year running. The Saints will now have the chance to defend their title for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday 8 June.
Jodie Cunningham starred in a collective team performance, emerging as the side’s top tackler with 32 tackles, as well as the game’s top metre maker with 192 metres. Captain Cunningham also contributed two try assists.
Saints’ speedsters Leah Burke came up with the opening try to kick-start her side’s momentum, while two-try hero Pheobe Hook also impressed with back-to-back tries in the closing stages.
In Saturday’s second semi-final, Wigan Warriors continued to show the way for the other teams as they ensured a confident victory over Hull KR to book their place in the Challenge Cup Final.
The Warriors took full control of the game in what was an extremely clinical performance, but one standout in particular was a powerful Luke Thompson. Playing for the entire 80 minutes, Thompson made a mammoth 36 tackles, as well as the most amount of runs and metres with the ball – an immense effort from the powerhouse prop.
Trademark brilliance from Bevan French also helped the Warriors cruise to a semi-final win, as fans had the joys of witnessing another one of the halfback’s creative masterclasses at the Eco-Power Stadium. French also put in a huge defensive shift and makes it into the top three of the Cherry and White's top tacklers.
Jake Wardle also got in on the action with the opening and closing tries of the game.
On Sunday in St Helens, Leeds Rhinos Women fought hard against Wigan Warriors Women to reach Wembley two years in a row.
The Rhinos’ Ruby Enright was the star of the show, deservedly earning Player of the Match for a phenomenal performance. Enright ran for a total of 127 metres and scored 14 points including a try in each half for Leeds, as she continues to impress in the 2024 campaign.
Caitlin Beevers also came up with a stunning display which included a try and a staggering 247 metres, while 19-year-old Grace Banks, one of the rising stars in the women’s game, burst through two Leeds defenders to score a superb solo try in for the Warriors in the first half.
Wigan's Mary Coleman was also at the heart Sunday's semi-final battle, with 39 tackles and 149 metres made.
Warrington Wolves then ensured that they would be Challenge Cup Finalists this year with a strong win over Huddersfield Giants.
Magical Matt Dufty’s fine form continued into the Challenge Cup competition with a breathtaking 213 metres, two tries and two try assists. Alongside him in the top three runners was Warrington flier Matty Ashton who also racked up 200+ metres and a try.
Matty Nicholson came up with the diligence in defence and hit 40 tackles as Sam Burgess' men reached Wembley for the first time since 2019.
Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cups!
Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June is a triple-header featuring the finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup (Men’s and Women’s), alongside the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available – details here.
