Wigan Warriors thrash St Helens to lift Women’s Challenge Cup for first time

Wigan Warriors turned on the style to crush holders St Helens 42-6 in a one-sided Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

It was an ominous performance by Wigan, who had been the women’s game’s fourth-best side – behind Saints, York Valkyrie and Leeds Rhinos – since winning the Super League title in 2018.

That clearly hurt; serial winner Denis Betts’ appointment as coach last season was a statement of intent by a club who are used to better and, with their mixture of talented young locals and some key signings, Warriors have become a real force.

Having crushed Rhinos to reach Wembley and beaten York, Saints and Leeds in their opening three league matches, Wigan are a cut above all their rivals and even at this early stage, it looks like a case of can anyone halt their charge, rather than will they double up in the Grand Final?

Warriors’ pack were far too strong for their opposite numbers and, on the back of their go-forward, a pacy and skilful backline were able to cut loose, scoring seven tries, all of which were converted by Isabel Rowe.

Saints were bidding for a fifth successive Challenge Cup success and a third at Wembley, but were outplayed throughout, other than for a brief spell after the break which culminated in Katie Mottershead breaking their duck with a powerful try from acting-half, which Faye Gaskin improved.

Wigan had a hand on the trophy by half-time, when they led 18-0. Megan Williams went through a gap from Rowe’s short pass after just 10 minutes and Saints doubled their lead at the end of the opening quarter as Shaniah Power’s offload to Molly Jones split the defence and Mary Coleman was in support to cross between the posts.

Papua New Guinea international Emily Veivers and half-back Rowe scored superb solo tries either side of the interval, before Wigan’s defence cracked for the only time.

Eva Hunter’s powerful long-range score on the hour ended whatever faint hopes the holders might have had of a dramatic fightback. With 10 minutes left, player of the match Grace Banks snapped up a loose ball inside Wigan Warriors’ half and raced clear for their sixth try and Anna Davies touched down at the corner moments later, Rowe capping a fine individual performance with the touchline goal.

🏆 A new name on the trophy!

👏 Congratulations @WiganWarriorsRL!

🏆 #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/6DePMLJYXb

— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) June 7, 2025