Women fall short in semi-final

• Match Report as Wigan Warriors Women were beaten by Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
• Wigan scored tries through Victoria Molyneux, Grace Banks and Jade Gregory-Haselden as Emma Knowles maintained a perfect record from the tee.
• FT | Wigan Warriors 20-34 Leeds Rhinos.

Wigan warriors women were beaten 34-20 by Leeds rhinos women in the betfred challenge cup semi-final.

Despite a valiant effort throughout the 80 minutes at the Totally Wicked Stadium, the Warriors fell short on reaching a Wembley final.

Report

Leeds had the perfect start as the kick-off was allowed to bounce into touch from the Warriors to see the Rhinos get possession back for the opening set. They worked an overlap on the left edge to see Enright over for the opening score, with the full-back unable to convert her own effort for 4-0.

Wigan responded in the 11th minute, Isabel Rowe sent Mary Coleman away down the right edge before being brought down. As Wigan sent the ball out left the Rhinos got a hand on to knock it forward for a fresh set for Wigan. Vicky Molyneux on her first start in 2024 exploited the chance to step inside and cross. Emma Knowles converted for Wigan to take the 6-4 lead.

Shortly afterwards Wigan were awarded a penalty from close range, which Knowles knocked between the posts to make it 8-4.

A short kick-off caught Wigan out though as Leeds got the ball back in hand. Caitlin Beevers was on the overlap on the left edge to dive over and level the scores, with Enright unable to convert.

Wigan retook the lead just after the half hour after some fantastic team play. Asking all the questions close to the Rhinos goal line, Leeds were holding firm but Grace Banks found space to cross close to the sticks. Emma Knowles made it three from three to put the Warriors out to 14-8.

A try on the stroke of half time saw Leeds over through interchange Zoe Hornby, who escaped a tackle close to the uprights. Enright added the two as the teams went in all square at 14-14.

The Warriors were quick out of the blocks as Jade Gregory-Haselden got Wigan back in front on 42 minutes. A penalty for the Warriors got them within 10m and a ball to centre field saw the forward power over close to the uprights. Knowles made it 4/4 from the tee to make it 20-14.

Leeds hit back immediately as Leeds captain Hanna Butcher crossed on the right edge, but Enright was unable to convert the effort as Wigan held the 20-18 lead.

Butcher was involved again in the 50th minute as a kick across field on the last found Ruby Enright who collected well to ease over close to the uprights, converting her own score as the Rhinos retook the lead to make it 24-20.

Leeds got themselves into a 10-point advantage in the 55th minute as Lucy Murray found space to go over and extend Leeds’ advantage. The conversion from out wide was on target from Enright for 30-20 in favour of the Rhinos going into the final quarter.

Davies and Derbyshire combined for a promising break on the wing which was halted by the Leeds defence before the Rhinos stood firm once more to force the Warriors out of play just short of the line.

Strong defensive work on their own line saw the Warriors prevent Leeds from increasing their lead further despite losing Banks through injury on 66 minutes.

After a sustained spell of pressure on the Warriors defence, Leeds added a seventh try on 72 minutes when Bennett picked up and broke free to ground under pressure. Bennett was unable to add the extras as the Rhinos led 34-20.

The Warriors kept their heads high until the final whistle and their efforts were almost rewarded in the closing stages when Casey held off three opposing players as she attempted to ground. However, following a check with the video referee, the on-field decision of no try stood due to double movement. Neither team could add further points in the final minutes as Leeds Rhinos held onto their 34-20 advantage to progress to Wembley.

Gallery:

Wigan Warriors: Grace Banks, Emma Welsford, Kaitlin Hilton, Anna Davies, Ellise Derbyshire, Isabel Rowe, Emma Knowles, Holly Speakman, Rease Casey, Alice Fisher, Victoria Molyneux, Mary Coleman, Rachel Thompson.

Interchange: Abbie Singleton, Jade Gregory-Haselden, Cerys Jones, Jenna Foubister.

18th Player: Bethany Hayes.

Tries: Molyneux (11′), Banks (32′), Gregory-Haselden (42′), Casey

Goals: Knowles (4/4)

Leeds Rhinos: Ruby Enright, Evie Cousins, Amy Hardcastle, Caitlin Beevers, Liv Whitehead, Hanna Butcher, Caitlin Casey, Grace Field, Keara Bennett, Isabel Northrop, Lucy Murray, Bella Sykes, Bethan Dainton.

Interchange: Zoe Hornby, Ella Donnelly, Sophie Robinson, Jenna Greening.

18th Player: Elychia Watson.

Tries: Enright (1′, 50′), Beevers (22′), Hornby (37′), Butcher (45′), Murray (55′), Bennett (72′).

Goals: Enright (3/6), Bennett (0/1).

Referee: Adam Williams