Cardiff Demons claimed an historic first win in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup on a weekend which also had huge personal significance for the Wigan Warriors captain Rachel Thompson.
The Demons, who have earned their place in the Cup after winning the Women’s Super League South in each of its first two seasons, followed up their highly creditable opening defeat against Wigan with a battling 12-8 win at Salford Red Devils, another of the newcomers to the competition this year.
Lauren Aitken and Amberley Ruck scored tries for the Demons, with Wales international Leanne Burnell winning their player of the match award.
In the other Group A fixture across the Pennines, Wigan won an equally tight contest 12-10 at Featherstone – a winning return for Thompson more than 18 months since the England international suffered a horrific knee injury in a play-off match at Castleford.
Wigan led 10-4 at half-time through tries from Anna Davies and Holly Speakman, but Tally Bryer brought Rovers level with a brilliant try which she converted herself, only for Beri Salihi’s late penalty to pinch it for the Warriors.
They are now clear at the top of the group and sitting pretty for a quarter final place ahead of the last round of group fixtures on May 21, when Wigan host Salford and Featherstone travel to Cardiff in a shoot-out for the other qualifying position.
This weekend’s other action saw massive scores for York Valkyrie against Hull KR in Group 3 (122-0) and for St Helens against Castleford in Group 4 (106-0). Sinead Peach and Savannah Andrade each scored four tries for York, while Leah Burke followed the four she scored for England against France with another five for Saints.
Leigh Leopards won a much tighter contest 30-22 against Barrow to stay on course to qualify with York, who they meet at Twist Lane in a fortnight, when both Hull KR and Barrow will hope to bounce back from consecutive defeats.
Warrington Wolves secured their quarter final place alongside Saints in Group 4 with a 64-10 win against London Broncos – who will now aim to follow the example of their BWSL South rivals Cardiff when they host Castleford in a fortnight.
Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos have also booked their places in the last eight. The Giants won 32-12 at Bradford with Frankie Townend scoring 18 of their points through three tries and three goals, while Leeds were awarded a 48-0 win against Oulton Raidettes who withdrew because of team selection issues.
Women's Challenge Cup Results - Sunday 7 May
Group 1
- Featherstone Rovers 10-12 Wigan Warriors
- Salford Red Devils 8-12 Cardiff Demons
Group 2
- Bradford Bulls 12-32 Huddersfield Giants
- Oulton Raidettes 0-48 Leeds Rhinos - Leeds were awarded a 48-0 win following Oulton's withdrawal due to team selection issues.
Group 3
- York Valkyrie 122-0 Hull KR
- Leigh Leopards Ladies 30-22 Barrow Raiders Ladies
Group 4
- Castleford Tigers 0-106 St Helens
- Warrington Wolves 64-10 London Broncos
Click here to view the latest results, fixtures and tables across Women's Rugby League.
