Betfred Challenge Cup results and round-up: 80-point thriller, Fev dominate and Barrow battle Workington

A round before the Super League teams are set to enter the Challenge Cup, eights teams battled it out to move a step closer to Wembley with Bradford and Leigh set to conclude the round tomorrow in front of the Premier Sports cameras.

The round began on Saturday with North Wales Crusaders hosting 1998 cup winners Sheffield Eagles. The Crusaders gave a debut to Warrington legend Lee Briers’ son Reece who got to enjoy a try-fest as his side gave as good as they got in a 50-30 defeat.

Former Super League star Patrick Ah van scored for the Crusaders whilst Izaac Farrell chipped in for the Eagles with 18 points as he inspired his side to victory. The star of the show was Matty Chrimes who scored four times for the Eagles whilst it was a day to forget for Bayley Liu who received a red card.

In a similar game, the first ever winners of the Challenge Cup Batley were hit for 50 by Championship leaders Featherstone who still remain unbeaten. Craig Hall was the star with two tries and nine goals outscoring the Bulldogs on his own with 26 points for the afternoon.

It was the second half that did the damage with the Rovers scoring 34 points in 40 minutes to ease into the next round where they could test themselves against Super League opposition.

In a tighter affair, it was again the second half which proved key as Barrow turned things around against rivals Workington having trailed 18-12 at the break. 20 second half points gave them the win with Jarrod Sammutt scoring twice.

In the other fixture today, it was the first 40 which was key with Whitehaven taking a 28-0 lead into the break against York. They may have lost the second half but their 38-12 win sees them cruise into the next round.

Who will join them however is now the question with Bradford and Leigh set to battle at Odsal tomorrow night on Premier Sports.

Results in full:
North Wales Crusaders 30-50 Sheffield Eagles
Barrow Raiders 32-18 Workington Town
Batley Bulldogs 20-54 Featherstone Rovers
Whitehaven 38-12 York City Knights