The Women’s Challenge Cup started last weekend with Cardiff Demons producing an outstanding performance as they won 42-14 away to Super League side Warrington Wolves. It’s a three-team group and the Demons finish their initial campaign with a home tie against St Helens on Saturday 19th April at Cardiff University Sports Park in Llanrumney.
Zoe Heeley ran in a hat-trick of tries for Cardiff against Warrington, Frances Layton went over twice and there were also scores for Leanne Burnell, Lora Roberts, Liv Williams and Charley Mundy. Amberley Ruck added three goals. Other Welsh internationals involved were Meg Whittaker, Sara Jones, Jasmine Gibbons, Ffion Jenkins, Ffion Jones, Amy Price, Hannah Jones and Shaunni Davies.
Elsewhere, Carys Marsh helped Wigan Warriors to a big win over Barrow Raiders, but Gracie Hobbs was on the losing side with Huddersfield Giants against York Valkyrie.
In the men’s game, the Cups will soon be entering the semi-finals stage following the quarter-finals of this year’s competitions taking place last weekend.
The 1895 Cup will see Featherstone Rovers in the semi-finals. A hat-trick from Caleb Aekins helped them see off London Broncos, with the visitors fielding Huw Worthington, Curtis Davies and Matt Ross.
Jude Ferreira‘s Wembley dreams are still alive as he helped York Knight defeat Widnes Vikings. The away side had Rhys Williams, Matty Fozard and Rhodri Lloyd in their line-up, whilst Gil Dudson played a starring role for Oldham as they beat Barrow Raiders.
Midlands Hurricanes remain top of League 1 after Luis Roberts helped them to convincing 46-12 win over Dewsbury Rams. In other games, Will Evans helped Workington Town to victory at Rochdale Hornets, George Birch‘s Newcastle Thunder remain bottom after their loss at Whitehaven, whilst Billy Walkley‘s Keighley Cougars are still without a point this season as they lost at home to Swinton Lions.
There was some Super League academy action last weekend with Kaden Johnson and Junior Westwood in the Warrington Wolves side that beat Lewis Owens‘ Bradford Bulls. Sam Grice and Taylor Robinson were in the Castleford Tigers side that lost against Leeds Rhinos.
In the NRL, Harry Hayes came off the bench to play in Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ win over Newcastle Knights, whilst Hayden Barton was in the Sydney Roosters reserves side that won at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
