St Helens have secured their place in the Wembley showpiece after a commanding performance to defeat the Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final. The victory, recorded at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, ensures that St Helens will face the Wigan Warriors in a highly anticipated final on May 30.
The match was defined by a blistering start from St Helens, who established a dominant lead early in the contest. By the 50-minute mark, the Saints had surged to a 24-0 lead, leaving the Rhinos struggling to find a rhythm in the first half of the encounter.
This result sets up a repeat of the 2025 Challenge Cup final. While St Helens enter the upcoming clash with momentum, they will be looking to avenge a one-sided defeat from last year’s final, which the Wigan Warriors won with a score of 42-6. Wigan have already secured their spot in the final after a dominant victory over York Valkyrie.
Early Dominance and the Gaskin Factor
St Helens controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, utilizing a powerful offensive strategy that the Leeds defense struggled to contain for the first 40 minutes. Erin McDonald proved to be a pivotal force, using her strength to break through the Leeds line. McDonald’s opening try was particularly significant, as it marked the first points the Rhinos had conceded throughout the entire competition this season.
Complementing the physical presence of McDonald was the precision of Faye Gaskin. Gaskin’s contribution was multifaceted. she not only scored a try, bursting through three tackles to cross the line, but she was also impeccable with the boot. Gaskin successfully converted five goals, bringing her personal tally for the match to 14 points.
The offensive onslaught also saw tries from Zoe Harris and Emily Rudge. A highlight of the first half occurred when a delicate kick from Gaskin sent Harris through for another score, further cementing the Saints’ control over the match. According to the BBC Sport match report, the Leeds side lacked belief and conviction during this initial period, leaving them trailing significantly heading into the second half.
Leeds’ Second-Half Surge and Defensive Resilience
Following a half-time pep talk from coach Lois Forsell, the Leeds Rhinos returned to the pitch with renewed energy. The second half saw a stark contrast in momentum as Leeds launched a spirited fightback, attempting to close the gap through a series of determined plays.
The Rhinos managed to find the try line three times in the latter stages of the game. Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright, and Olivia Whitehead all scored tries, while Howard added the goals to bring the Leeds total to 14. Despite the surge, the comeback effort started too late to threaten the overall result.
St Helens’ victory was preserved not only by their early lead but by a resolute defensive effort. The most critical moment of the second half came via Rachael Woosey, who executed a superb try-saving tackle on Whitehead. This defensive stand proved vital in stifling the Rhinos’ momentum and ensuring that the lead remained insurmountable.
The match concluded with a 30-14 victory for St Helens, as Erin McDonald capped off her performance with a second try, removing any lingering doubt about who would be progressing to the final.
Match Summary: St Helens vs. Leeds Rhinos
| Team | Final Score | Tries | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Helens | 30 | McDonald (2), Harris, Gaskin, Rudge | Gaskin (5) |
| Leeds Rhinos | 14 | Boyd, Enright, Whitehead | Howard |
The Road to Wembley: A Grudge Match with Wigan Warriors
The upcoming final on May 30 at Wembley Stadium is more than just a championship match; This proves a clash between two of the sport’s heavyweights and a chance for redemption for St Helens. The 2025 final was a starkly different affair, with the Wigan Warriors dominating the encounter in a 42-6 victory.
Wigan enter the final in ruthless form, having comfortably dispatched York Valkyrie in their own semi-final. For St Helens, the key to success at Wembley will likely lie in the same balance of power and precision they displayed against Leeds—specifically the scoring threat of McDonald and the tactical kicking of Gaskin.
The rivalry between these two clubs adds a layer of intensity to the fixture. While Wigan currently holds the psychological advantage from last year’s result, St Helens’ ability to withstand pressure and maintain a high-scoring offense suggests they are better equipped this year to challenge for the title.
Key Takeaways from the Semi-Final
- Dominant Start: St Helens established a 24-0 lead within 50 minutes, effectively deciding the game early.
- Individual Brilliance: Faye Gaskin was the match’s standout playmaker, contributing 14 points.
- Defensive Grit: Rachael Woosey’s try-saving tackle prevented Leeds from gaining critical momentum during their second-half comeback.
- Wembley Bound: St Helens will seek revenge for their 42-6 loss to Wigan in the 2025 final.
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans and analysts is the Challenge Cup final on May 30 at Wembley, where St Helens and the Wigan Warriors will compete for the trophy.
Do you think St Helens can avenge last year’s defeat, or will the Wigan Warriors continue their dominance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.