In numbers: Challenge Cup sixth round attendances

Josh McAllister 28 Mar 2022 11:45 AM

The sixth round of the Challenge Cup saw an average crowd of 3,687 across the eight fixtures.

A total of 29,499 spectators attended a cup tie across the weekend.

Wigan’s Friday night clash with Salford at the DW Stadium enjoyed the highest attendance with 6,005. Matt Peet’s side claimed a 20-0 victory live on Premier Sports. Tries from Liam Byrne, Liam Marshall and John Bateman, while Zak Hardaker kicked four from four.

Sheffield’s clash with Hull at Featherstone’s Post Office Road saw the lowest crowd with 1,039. Hull ran in 11 tries for a 58-12 score. Connor Wynne crossed for a hat-trick, while Jake Connor scored twice.

More attendances

Warrington’s home clash with Wakefield saw a crowd of just 2,627 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday. It was down 5,537 compared to their Super League clash at the same venue just eight days previous.

Whitehaven enjoyed a crowd of 4,869 for their clash with current cup holders St Helens. More than 1,000 away fans travelled for their sixth round tie at the LEL Arena, which saw the champions claim their spot in the quarter-finals.

Fantastic shot from @Sirbenchallis of a packed out LEL Arena this afternoon!

4869 of you here – Thank you Whitehaven, Thank you Copeland, Thank you West Cumbria and Thank you Cumbria!

And of course a massive shout to 1000+ from St Helens – Safe journey home! pic.twitter.com/n8a3g973Za

— Whitehaven Rugby League (@OfficialHavenRl) March 26, 2022

Championship side Barrow also enjoyed a large crowd at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium for their clash with Huddersfield on Sunday. 3,135 attended the fixture, which was also live on the BBC.

Headingley Stadium saw a crowd of 5,112 for Leeds‘ home tie with Castleford. It saw Jamie Jones-Buchanan take charge of his first game as interim-head coach of the Rhinos. It ended in a defeat, with Lee Radford’s side claiming a 40-16 victory live on the BBC on Saturday.

3,088 attended Craven Park to see Hull KR against Leigh. Tony Smith’s side progressed with a hard-fought 24-18 victory.

Finally, Catalans saw a crowd of 3,624 in Perpignan for their clash with Championship leaders and favourites Featherstone. Steve McNamara’s side were made to work hard to claim their spot in the next round, with a 27-14 score.

The five Championship sides will now enter the 1895 Cup, with a single play-0ff and two semi-finals.