Beevers and Roche ensure Rhinos and Tigers will meet in final

Leeds Rhinos Women set up a West Yorkshire derby Challenge Cup final against Castleford Tigers '“ after defeating Wigan Warriors yesterday.
Adam CuthbertsonAdam Cuthbertson
Adam Cuthbertson

The Rhinos won 26-8 at Robin Park, while the Tigers won 48-12 against White Rose rivals York City Knights.

Getting to the final is a remarkable achievement for Adam Cuthbertson’s side in their first season together and they now will face Tigers in the final on Saturday, August 4 at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.

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The Rhinos took the lead after 10 minutes when winger Caitlin Beevers finished off a flowing move out wide.

Four minutes later, Wigan responded to equalise when captain Gemma Walsh set up full-back Rebecca Greenfield to level the scores, but that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Two tries before half-time – Beevers’ second followed by prop Danielle Anderson crashing over from close range – both converted by Hanna Butcher, put Leeds in control.

Half-back Walsh and Greenfield combined again at the start of the second half to give Wigan hope of a fightback just six minutes into the second half but that was a close as the Warriors came to getting the victory.

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Just after the hour mark, the Rhinos made their pressure count after a long spell on the Wigan line eventually they found a way over and five minutes later, full-back Charlotte Booth continued her impressive season with another try.

Butcher converted the latter, as her kick rebounded over off the post and the Rhinos were in full control.

Tigers’ matchwinner Georgia Roche scored four tries – including a first-half hat-trick – as her side eased past York.

Sammy Watts, Lacey Owen, Emma Lumley, Gabby Harrison, Jasmine Cudjoe and Alex Wallace also crossed for Castleford, with Katie Hepworth kicking three goals and Tara Stanley the other.