Challenge Cup round-up: Holders Leeds crash out, Salford run riot & Ashton scores against former club
There are just eight sides left in the race for Challenge Cup glory after an entertaining third round.
Gareth O’Brien’s drop goal in the fourth period of extra time helped Castleford come from behind to beat Hull KR 33-32 at Craven Park.
The Robins led 22-6 at halt-time and then 32-18 with less than 20 minutes to go, but the Tigers responded late on through Derrell Olpherts and Paul McShane before Jordan Turner levelled matters with the final play of the game.
It took 19 minutes of extra time until O’Brien – whose incredible long range drop goal preserved Salford’s Super League status and relegated KR in 2016 – finally sunk the all-important one-pointer.
It was a far less dramatic affair for Wigan, as last season’s beaten Grand Finalists triumphed 26-0 over York.
The Knights were unable to trouble the scoreboard as Zak Hardaker, Harry Smith, Sam Halsall and Tony Clubb all crossed for the Warriors. Umyla Hanley – son of rugby league great Ellery – also bagged his first try for the club.
Salford ran in 12 tries as they eased into the quarter-finals at the expense of Championship Widnes.
There were 10 different try-scorers for Richard Marshall’s side, including two apiece for Morgan Escare and Matty Costello. In response, Vikings debutant Daniel Hill grabbed his first senior try just before half-time.
In the tie of the round, Challenge Cup holders Leeds were sent crashing out of the competition at the hands of St Helens.
The reigning Super League champions were 8-6 ahead before Zane Tetevano’s high shot on Theo Fages resulted in a red card four minutes into the second half.
READ: Leeds to be without Luke Gale for four to five weeks
Saints edged themselves 20-8 ahead before a quickfire Brad Dwyer double set up a grandstand finish at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
But it was Tommy Makinson’s second try of the game – part of an individual 18-point haul – with less than two minutes left which saw Kristian Woolf’s side advance to the next round.
READ: Challenge Cup quarter-finals draw made
Catalans kept alive their hopes of a second Challenge Cup trophy in four seasons after knocking out Wakefield for the second year in a row.
Led by Man of the Match try-scorer Sam Tomkins, the Dragons eased their way to a 26-6 victory as Gil Dudson notched his first try since joining, adding to earlier scores from Josh Drinkwater and Tom Davies.
In an all-Yorkshire affair, Championship Featherstone were made to rue a difficult first half as Brett Hodgson extended his winning start as new Hull FC boss.
Having fallen behind inside 60 seconds, the Airlie Birds were in pole position with a 34-4 advantage at the break, as Carlos Tuimavave and Josh Griffin both crossed twice.
Even a scoreless second half didn’t matter as the Super League side booked a mouth-watering tie with Wigan in the last eight.
Nine-time Challenge Cup winners Warrington overcame Swinton 32-8 to book a quarter-final meeting with Catalans.
Toby King kept up his excellent scoring form with another double, while Tom Lineham, Blake Austin, Matty Ashton and Danny Walker also crossed.
In the final tie of the round, Jermaine McGillvary helped himself to a hat-trick as Huddersfield knocked out Super League new boys Leigh.
Kenny Edwards, Sam Wood (2) and Lee Gaskell also crossed as the Giants secured their first competitive win under new boss Ian Watson.
Challenge Cup third round results:
Hull KR 32-33 Castleford Tigers (AET)
York City Knights 0-26 Wigan Warriors
Salford Red Devils 68-4 Widnes Vikings
Catalans Dragons 26-6 Wakefield
Featherstone Rovers 14-34 Hull FC
Swinton Lions 8-32 Warrington Wolves
Leigh Centurions 18-36 Huddersfield Giants
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