Historic first Women’s Challenge Cup Final to be played at Wembley Stadium as Leeds Rhinos face St Helens.
For the first time in its history, the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup will be played at Wembley Stadium alongside the men’s Final this Saturday as Leeds Rhinos and St Helens go for the first major silverware of the year. Both sides have an extensive history in the men’s and women’s competitions, having won four of the last five Women’s Cup finals. Lois Forsell’s Leeds side have had to wait three years since their last Cup victory, which was a 16-10 result against Castleford in 2019, whilst Matty Smith’s Saints come into this year’s Final as the reigning holders following last year’s win over the Rhinos at Elland Road.
Leeds’ Cup campaign started with a derby meeting with Bradford Bulls and a 14-try display saw last year’s Cup Finalists record a 72-0 result. A second half hat trick from forward Beth Lockwood was a standout performance in the win at Sports Park, Weetwood, whilst Bethan Dainton and Amy Hardcastle recorded their first competitive points in Rhinos colours. Leeds’ second group game was a scheduled trip to local side Oulton Raidettes but as the fixture was postponed, the Rhinos took away an automatic 48-0 win. Game three saw Leeds travel to Huddersfield for their third and final group game, and another whitewash saw the Rhinos book their place in the last eight.
A 52-0 score line saw Tara Moxon lead the scoring with a hat trick, whilst there was also tries for Hardcastle, Jasmine Earnshaw-Cudjoe, Tasha Gaines, Izzy Northrop, and two each from Hanna Butcher and Dainton. Leeds kept up their 100% winning record in the Cup quarter final stage with a 54-0 win over Leigh Leopards, but the opposition particularly proved a tough fight in the first half. Moxon kept up her try-scoring record with two more Cup tries, along with Northrop who added a brace. Debutant Ruby Enright marked her club debut with tries, as well as Mayzi Carter who got her first senior try for the club.
Clashing with Wigan in the semi-finals, both sides battled with a place at Wembley on the line. Hardcastle and Beri Salihi opened the scoring for both sides as the first half ended 4-4, but the Rhinos needed back-to-back scores from Caitlin Beevers and Moxon to make history as one of the first Women’s sides to play a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. The Lord Mayor of Leeds has led the good luck messages to Leeds Rhinos ahead of the Women’s Challenge Cup Final against St Helens at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Al Garthwaite said:
“Best of luck to Leeds Rhinos in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final this weekend. Hopefully Hanna Butcher and her team will put on another great display and bring back some more silverware to Leeds to add to their Grand Final success last season.”
Leeds City Council executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles Councillor Salma Arif added:
“Good luck to Leeds Rhinos in what should be a terrific rematch of last year’s Women’s Challenge Cup Final between two great teams, with Leeds hopefully going one better this time. It is fantastic for the final to be held at Wembley for the first time, showcasing elite women’s sport to the world and inspiring people of all ages to be healthy and active.”
It’s huge for future generations of female players. Everyone has played a part in supporting it and that is why it’s awesome what’s happening this weekend. Make sure you’re at Wembley to cheer on the Rhinos Women’s team in a historic Challenge Cup Final www.therhinos.co.uk
Best of luck to Leeds Rhinos in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final 2023
