YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith reflects on Leeds Rhinos' win over Wigan Warriros which secured a place in next month's Betfred Women's Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
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00:00 Congratulations to Leeds Rhinos women who have made history by qualifying for the first
00:06 Women's Challenge Cup Final to be staged at Wembley. That will be played on August 12th
00:11 as the first of a triple header. They'll play St Helens, the reigning cup holders at Wembley.
00:18 Saints beat Leeds in last year's final at Elland Road. I think this year will be equally
00:24 exciting and that was a good final. Leeds were very much the underdogs but threatened
00:29 to pull off an upset for quite a lot of the game. This year being played at Wembley will
00:34 certainly bring a new dimension to it. Who can handle the occasion and the nerves. Leeds
00:40 found it hard today against Wigan Warriors in the semi-final. It was 4-4 at half time
00:46 and they didn't get the noses in front in the second half until the hour mark. They
00:50 finished the stronger and they dominated territory in the second period but struggled to create
00:56 chances. Got on top of Wigan in the end but it was a magnificent defensive effort by Wigan.
01:00 Leeds will certainly need it to improve but I think a hard game is what they needed going
01:05 into the Cup Final. It will be a fantastic occasion for the women's game. Congratulations
01:10 also to Battling Bulldogs who are through to Wembley for the first time in their history
01:15 in the 1895 Cup Final. They'll play Halifax and of course the Men's Challenge Cup Final
01:20 will be Hull KR who have beaten Wigan here in Golden Point Extra Time against Lee Leopards
01:29 in a final I don't think many people would have predicted at the start of the season.
01:32 Both Wigan and St Helens losing in the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals. It's been a fantastic semi-final
01:38 weekend. Four absolutely cracking Challenge Cup ties and two very tense 1895 Cup Semi-Finals
01:45 as well. Wembley should be a terrific occasion. Six different teams in the final. It should
01:50 be a full house or close to it with two teams in the Men's Final who have not been there
01:55 for a while and certainly not won it for a long time. I think the weekend has breathed
02:02 new life into the Challenge Cup.
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