Chris Kendall explains why Leigh Leopards star wasn’t sin binned

The Challenge Cup Final between Leigh Leopards and Hull KR was historic as the first final without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens since 1986.

But it also created history as we saw the first yellow card in a Challenge Cup Final since 2o01.

That went to Hull KR star Elliot Minchella for a late hit on Ben Reynolds but oddly there were calls for Ben Reynolds to receive a yellow card later in the game after an altercation with Mikey Lewis which led to a penalty and two points for the Robins.

There was a suggestion of a head butt from Reynolds to the ire of Hull KR fans.

However, this suggestion was dismissed by official Chris Kendall who described it as “rutting heads” rather than a head but from Ben Reynolds.

All told, it was a great game as Hull KR struck first. Elliot Minchella gave away that penalty but immediately made amends as he broke through and found Jez Litten in support to score.

A Tom Briscoe error nearly led to a Tom Opacic try as the ball was kicked ahead. Opacic was then tripped up by Lachlan Lam who went for the ball but it was deemed an accident and no penalty try was given.

Leigh then said anything you can do we can do better as Kai O’Donnell broke through in similar fashion finding Lachlan Lam in support to score.

Minchella’s strange day kept going as he was penalised for a hit on Ben Reynolds and the Leopards took a 10-6 lead as Hull KR went down to 12 men.

Hull KR then nailed a penalty of their own on the stroke of halftime to make it 10-8.

The second half started as the first one ended with a Hull KR penalty as Hull KR drew level at 10-all.

It was then a very tense second half as neither side gave each other an inch. Try scoring sensation Josh Charnley had a chance when he got the ball wide but was held up.

Tom Briscoe scores tries at Wembley like it’s his backyard. Today was his eighth Challenge Cup Final try in his fifth final appearance and his eighth in the last four. He struck a decisive blow in the corner for the Leopards after a sweeping move.

But that try was cancelled out when Parcell touched down to score in the 79th minute after a kick bounced off Zak Hardaker.

However, in the end it was Leigh who will lift the Challenge Cup after a golden point drop goal from Lachlan Lam won the game for the club.