In the first Challenge Cup Final since 1986 without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR took centre stage.
Leigh were looking to end their wait since 1971 for the Challenge Cup whilst Hull KR’s wait has gone on since 1980 and their wait for a major trophy since 1985 as well.
When Matt Parcell scored in the 79th minute to send the game to golden point they looked destined for a win but Lachlan Lam broke their hearts.
But how did social media react to the game?
Well Hull KR fans were driven to tears by the result.
https://twitter.com/con_lynes/status/1690405894486376448?s=20
Meanwhile rival fans described them as “the Tottenham of rugby league.”
The Tottenham of rugby league https://t.co/Xabra1e4lX
— Finlay (@BigInTheRing) August 13, 2023
Wigan fans meanwhile enjoyed what they felt was “karma” after a controversial semi-final against the Robins.
Karma is a lovely thing at times. https://t.co/OOjuPqWoTq
— Cam Jamesy 🍒⚪️ (@CPJ_2001) August 12, 2023
More fans admitted to wanting to cry from a Hull KR prespective.
Wanna cry every tear I have available but not mad in the slightest. Red n white forever. 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ https://t.co/Q5yjxuaO11
— JESSICA. (@jess_taylor26) August 12, 2023
Hull FC fans naturally revelled in the defeat.
BEST CHANCE TO WIN A TROPHY IN 38 YEARS AND THEY GET BEAT BY A BUNCH OF BLOKE RUNNING AROUND IN LEOPARD PRINT HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH https://t.co/LIAUHp3sR9
— Kieran Hull Fc⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ (@Kieran97800163) August 12, 2023
Hull KR fans though were proud of the effort from their side showed.
What a game. Hold your heads high Robins.
Absolute warriors. https://t.co/t2Q60Steaq— Mark the Mariner 🇬🇧🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@CoffeeBean100s) August 12, 2023
But many were left in tears.
Got no voice and now I'm crying. So bloody close! https://t.co/9d3Ao87qfC
— Becky 🐝 (@Beccaa_Booo) August 12, 2023
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.
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