Wigan thrash Saints to win first Women's Challenge Cup

BBC News

07-06-2025

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup finalSt Helens (0) 6Try: Motterhead, Goal: GaskinWigan (18) 42Tries: Williams, Coleman, Veivers, Rowe, Hunter, Banks, Davies Goals: Rowe 7
Wigan Warriors ran in seven tries to thrash St Helens and win the Women's Challenge Cup for the first time, ending their rivals hold on the trophy.The Cherry and Whites were ahead inside 10 minutes when Megan Williams touched down and they edged further in front through Mary Coleman.Emily Veivers charged through for Wigan's third try and an 18-0 half-time lead, and Isabel Rowe picked up where they left off after the break by scoring minutes into the second half.Saints got on the board through Katie Mottershead but Eva Hunter, Grace Banks and Anna Davies ensured Wigan would earn a derby win on the biggest stage of a Wembley final.It is the first time that Wigan have won the competition since its inception in 2012 and ends St Helens' run of four straight wins in the tournament in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.Warriors' victory also means that boss Denis Betts, who won seven Challenge Cups with Wigan as a player, claimed his first piece of silverware as a coach.
More to follow.
St Helens: Salihi; Hook, McColm, Hardcastle, McGifford; Harris, Gaskin; Stott, Casey, Crowl, Hoye, Rudge, Cunningham.Interchanges: Whitfield, Mottershead, Sutherland, Woosey.Wigan: Banks; Davies, Wilson, Jones, Derbyshire; Foubister, Rowe; Coleman, Wilton, Speakman, Hunter, Power, Williams.Interchanges: Marsh, Molyneux, Thompson, Veivers.