Challenge Cup Round-Up: One big shock result whilst 12 men survive fightback

The road to Wembley is hotting up as eight more teams’ dreams of Wembley Way have gone up in smoke over the weekend.

On Saturday, it was a less than convincing win for Newcastle thunder against Rochdale Mayfield.

They did the damage in the first half leading 22-6 at the break.

Pay credit to Mayfield for a spirited second half.

Meanwhile, Keighley Cougars were pushed by their former League One rivals in the first half as they hosted North Wales Crusaders. They led 18-6 at halftime but a strong second 40 wrapped up a 36-14 win.

London Broncos were the big winners of the day as they won 66-16 against Doncaster despite being all square at 16-all at halftime.

Today, York RLFC took on Sheffield Eagles on BBC.

York led 20-0 at the break but a red card for Danny Kirmond, who scored in the first half, set the second half up brilliantly.

However, Sheffield’s comeback wasn’t enough in a 24-22 defeat.

Batley Bulldogs unsurprisingly defeated amateur side Hunslet 80-6 with Hodson scoring four tries and Huddersfield Giants loanee Aidan McGowen scoring twice.

Bradford Bulls were big winners too against Midlands Hurricanes though they only led 18-12 at the break.

In the end they won 66-18 with Chester Butler scoring a hat-trick.

Against Barrow Raiders, Halifax Panthers looked destined for the next round when they led 14-0 at the break but a spirited fightback from the Raiders could have set up a grand stand finish.

Langtree made it 24-18 with a minute to go and the Raiders kept the ball alive until an error ended their hopes.

The shock result of the round came at Dewsbury Rams where the League One side stunned John Kear’s Widnes Vikings with an impressive 32-12 win. They won the second half 20-4.

Results:

Rochdale Mayfield 12-22 Newcastle Thunder
Keighley Cougars 36-14 North Wales Crusaders
London Broncos 66-16 Doncaster
York RLFC 24-22 Sheffield Eagles
Hunslet 6-80 Batley Bulldogs
Halifax Panthers 24-18 Barrow Raiders
Bradford Bulls 66-18 Midlands Hurricanes
Dewsbury Rams 32-12 Widnes Vikings