Favourites all progress in Women’s Challenge Cup

There were no shocks in the second round of the women’s Challenge Cup as all the favourites booked their place in the quarter-final without losing much sweat. 

 The clash of the round took place on Thursday night when Castleford Tigers picked up a solid 48-4 victory over Featherstone Rovers in front of 1,148 spectators.

Lucy Eastwood gave the hosts a perfect start with a try in the first five minutes. However, Rovers were quick to respond through former Castleford captain Katie Hepworth.

The match was finely poised until a late first half surge from the hosts saw Castleford take a 14-4 half time lead.

Then a scintillating second half outing from Kelsey Gentles saw the winger claim four tries as her side ran away with the score line and sealed their place in the quarters with a 48-4 victory.

Defending champions, Leeds Rhinos, enjoyed an easy Sunday afternoon as they claimed a 70-0 win over super league basement side York City Knights.

A 13-try haul from the Rhinos including a Courtney Hill hat-trick helped the Challenge Cup holders through to the next round.

Caitilin Beevers and Cloe Kerrigan both scored twice for Adam Cuthbertson’s side while Tasha Gains, Hannah Butcher, Sophie Robinson, Danika Priim and Suze Hill also made the scoresheet.

Current Women’s Super League title holders Wigan Warriors also progresses to the next round. Their 50-14 win over the Army helped Amanda Wilkinson’s side to forget their current league worries.

Another Super League super-house, St. Helens, also booked their place in the quarters with a big win. Derek Hardman’s side won 96-0 away at Stanningley.

Elsewhere, in-form Bradford Bulls continued to impress following their 56-0 thrashing of the RAF while Wakefield Trinity picked up only their second win of the season with a 24-6 win over Widnes Vikings.

Warrington Wolves and Keighley Albion also secured their place in the next round draw with wins over Barrow and Halifax.  

Castleford Tigers 48-4 Featherstone Rovers

Army RL 14-50 Wigan Warriors

Stanningley 0-96 St. Helens

RAF Ladies 0-56 Bradford Bulls

Barrow 18-38 Warrington Wolves

Keighley Albion 50-9 Halifax 

Wakefield Trinity 24-6 Widnes Vikings

York City Knights 0-70 Leeds Rhinos