1895 Cup: Sheffield and Widnes reach Wembley – with highlights

James Gordon

Sheffield will play Widnes in the inaugural 1895 Cup final at Wembley after both winning through their semi-finals on Sunday.

The Eagles booked their win with a hard-fought 18-2 win over Batley at the Olympic Legacy Park, to book a return to the scene of their most famous day, their 1998 Challenge Cup win over Wigan.

Pat Walker put the ball to his foot on 26 minutes to kick through from a short distance out and Joel Farrell won the race to touch down.

Louis Jouffret, the golden point hero in the quarter-final win over York, got Batley on the board at 6-2 but it was 65 minutes until Jacob Ogden scored the gamebreaking try, powering over off a Walker pass.

Oliver Davies made sure two minutes from time.

Meanwhile, at Leigh Sports Village, Widnes came out on top in absorbing contest against Leigh, winning 12-8.

A real battle of a first half saw just a penalty for either side, before Ryan Brierley nudged the hosts in front with an early second half penalty.

But a dummy by Danny Craven created space for Keanan Brand, who kept his cool to pass inside for Jordan Johnstone to kick across for Anthony Gelling to score the first try.

And then Craven popped up a lovely inside ball for Jack Owens at pace, and the former Leigh full-back won the foot race to the corner to give Widnes a cushion.

The Vikings held on, despite a late Adam Higson try, to ensure a turbulent year will end with a visit to Wembley.

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