...and a round-up of the Quarter-Finals action...
The draw for the semi-finals of the Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup was made this afternoon live on BBC Two by England football legend Stuart Pearce MBE and former Challenge Cup winner Jon Wilkin during half-time of the quarter-final clash between Warrington Wolves and St Helens.
The Wolves booked their place in the semi-final thanks to a 20-12 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and will face 2023 cup winners Leigh Leopards following their victory away at Wakefield Trinity on Friday Night - also a 20-12 scoreline.
Wakefield had beaten Leigh handsomely in the Betfred Super League the week before, but second half tries from Tesi Niu and Bailey Hodgson helped the Leopards through to the semi-finals after they came from 12-6 behind at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
Lachlan Lam's try had put visitors 6-0 up at the break before two tries from Matty Russell and Josh Rourke turned the game around to put Trinity 12-6 in front.
But a string of Wakefield errors led to a superb solo try from Niu to bring Leigh level, as he powered through numerous Trinity defenders to score.
This was before Gareth O'Brien kicked a penalty to edge them in front and Hodgson's try proved to be decisive, as he helped send the Leopards into the final four.
Meanwhile, Warrington edged out St Helens pulsating quarter-final rematch.
It was a neck and neck battle, with first half tries from Matt Dufty and Tristan Sailor meaning the scores were all square at the break.
A Marc Sneyd penalty goal and Ben Currie touching down to score gave Wire shortlived control, but former Wolf Daryl Clark provided an instant reply - in turn setting up a nail-biting finish.
Ten minutes from time, captain George Williams crossed for the match-winner, jinking his way through the defence and racing down the right wing to score in emphatic fashion.
History repeated itself for Saints, who were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by the Wolves last year. And the 2024 Finalists, Warrington, are seeking their first Challenge Cup Final triumph since 2019.
The second semi-final tie sees Hull KR take on Catalans Dragons for a place at Wembley Stadium.
Hull KR secured their fourth consecutive cup semi-final appearance with a 32-16 dominant victory against fierce rivals Hull FC, while Catalans Dragons earned a spot in next month's semi-final after defeating Salford Red Devils on Friday Night.
Emotions were raging as the Robins ran in five tries against their inner-city neighbours, putting the game well and truly beyond the Black & Whites' reach. It was their first meeting in the Challenge Cup since the 1980s.
Willie Peters' men were 18-0 up at halftime with tries from Tom Davies, Joe Burgess and Jack Broadbent, with Burgess and Jez Litten adding to the tally early in the second stanza.
Scores from Lewis Martin and Herman Ese'ese breathed temporary life into the Black & Whites and Zak Hardaker did cross on the hooter for another consolation - but an unbeaten Robins side proved too strong as they continue their mission for silverware.
Catalans are in their first semi-final since winning the competition in 2018. The contest was a close one in the south of France against a spirited Salford - and often scrappy at times. But tries from Nick Cotric, Arthur Romano, Elliott Whitehead and Theo Fages would earn the hosts a quarter-final win, and see another 20-12 full-time result.
Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final results:
Wakefield Trinity 12 Leigh Leopards 20
Catalans Dragons 20 Salford Red Devils 12
Hull FC 16 Hull KR 32
Warrington Wolves 20 St Helens 12
Semi-final ties will be played on the weekend of 10-11 May with venue, broadcast and ticket details to be announced as soon as possible.
Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final draw:
Hull KR v Catalans Dragons
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards
Saturday 7 June is Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day 2025 – also including the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final, and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final. Tickets are on sale now!
