Leeds Rhinos Women secure a famous victory at Headingley as they beat Wigan Warriors Women 16-4 at Headingley to secure their spot in this years Challenge Cup Final.
Tries from Amy Hardcastle, Caitlin Beevers and Tara Moxon proved crucial for the Rhinos as they march onto Wembley to face St Helens in the showpiece event.
After yesterday’s late drama at the Halliwell Jones, the stage was set for another fantastic Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Final. The Rhinos had home advantage, but could they make it count? Or would the Warriors march onto Wembley for a grudge match against the Saints.
The tone was set from the off, with both teams bringing plenty of physicality in defence. The Cherry and Whites almost got the breakthrough. Rachel Thompson’s grubber kick was nearly latched onto by Rebecca Greenfield, but the Leeds defence dealt with it well. Wigan came straight back though from the goal line drop out as they crossed the line through Molly Jones, but it was ruled out for a forward pass and the Rhinos escaped.
Leeds threatened the line over the next 10 minutes. A grubber kick from Caitlin Casey forced a repeat set, and prop Zoe Hornby came within inches of breaking the deadlock after a barnstorming carry, but the Wigan defence stood tall. However the Rhinos did eventually break the deadlock through Amy Hardcastle. The former St Helens forward ran over from 10 meters, bashing two Warriors defenders away in the process, to put four on the board.
A sloppy knock-on from the Rhinos gave Wigan the perfect chance to reply, and they took it as Beri Salihi crossed the whitewash to bring the scores level, which is how they stayed at the half-time hooter.
Leeds would dominate the opening exchanges of the second half. A Wigan knock on gave Leeds great field position, but they couldn’t punish the Warriors for the mistake; this was the beginning of a sustained period of pressure.
Amy Hardcastle came close to adding her second of the afternoon, but the Warriors were able to hold the powerful forward up. A Leeds penalty followed in this set, but they again couldn’t turn field position into points. Would these missed opportunities come back to haunt them?
No they wouldn’t, as Leeds finally extended their lead in the 60th minute. Caitlin Casey put an inch perfect pass for Caitlin Beevers, who darted through a hole in the defence and crossed to restore the Rhinos lead.
They wouldn’t have to wait long for their second of the half either, as Tara Moxon crossed out wide to give Leeds a 10 point buffer coming into the closing stages of the half.
Eloise Hayward would add another two to the scoreboard as she slotted a penalty and extend their lead to 12 points, this proved to be the final nail in the coffin as Leeds saw out the remainder of the game to secure their spot at Wembley.
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