Wigan Warriors claimed their first major trophy since the 2018 Grand Final as they defeated rivals St Helens 42-6 in the Women’s Challenge Cup final under the famous Wembley arch on Saturday afternoon.
It is the largest winning margin in the Women’s Challenge Cup final in the Women’s Super League era to date, with Wigan scoring seven tries to defeat local rivals St Helens, and it is the first time the two clubs have met at the new Wembley Stadium in any format.
The Warriors led 18-0 at halftime thanks to first-half tries from Megan Williams, Molly Jones, and Emily Veivers. Wigan added tries in the second half from Izzy Rowe, Eva Hunter, Grace Banks, and Anna Davies to complete an outstanding 42-6 victory in their first Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Wigan opened the scoring after nine minutes when Williams, who played for St Helens in their Wembley victory last year before joining Wigan in the off-season, stormed through a space and scored from close range. Rowe converted, giving Wigan an early 6-0 lead.
The Warriors were in fantastic form in the first half, and they extended their lead midway through the opening 40 minutes when centre Jones smashed a hole in the Saints’ defence, aiding Mary Coleman, who scored under the posts. Rowe’s conversion was successful, and they were 12-0 ahead.
Wigan led 18-0 at halftime thanks to Veivers, who threw a dummy that caught the Saints defenders off surprise. Rowe added the additional.
Wigan came out fire in the second half, with Rowe weaving through the Saints’ defenders to score. The England international converted her own effort, giving Wigan a 24-0 lead.
Saints gained their first points in the 49th minute, when Katie Mottershead scored from dummy half. Faye Gaskin converted for Saints, but Wigan led 24-6 with half an hour remaining.
On the hour, however, the Warriors extended their lead, with back-rower Hunter running a fantastic line to score 40 metres away. Rowe converted, and the Warriors led 30-6.
Banks, the Warriors’ speedster, scored in the 70th minute after picking up a loose ball and darting 60 metres under the posts. Rowe’s conversion was again spot on.
England international winger Davies scored the final try of the game in the closing five minutes, and Rowe converted from the touchline to secure a 42-6 victory over Saints in the Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley, giving the Warriors their first major title since 2018.
Beri Salihi, Phoebe Hook, Luci McColm, Amy Hardcastle, Dani McGifford; Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin; Darcy Stott, Caitlin Casey, Channy Crowl, Shona Hoyle, Emily Rudge, and Jodie Cunningham. Subs: Vicky Whitfield, Katie Mottershead, Georgia Sutherland, and Rachel Woosey. The 18th woman is Erin Stott.
Tries: Mottershead Goals: Gaskin 1–1.
Wigan: Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Molly Jones, Ellise Derbyshire; Jenna Foubister, Izzy Rowe; Mary Coleman, Remi Wilton, Holly Speakman, Eva Hunter, Shaniah Power, Megan Williams. Subs: Carys Marsh, Vicky Molyneux, Rachel Thompson, and Emily Veivers. The 18th woman is Tiana Power.
Tries: Williams, Coleman, Veivers, Rowe, Hunter, Banks, and Davies Goal: Rowe 7/7.
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