Women's Challenge Cup 2022

At the end of the final, mutual respect

Overview: 

The women's version of the Challenge Cup has been around for a few years now, the initial few with limited participants. This year 16 sides were involved.

The number of entrants allowed for a changed format, four groups consisting of four teams each, moving on to quarter finals which were knock out affairs from that point. 

The issue for now is a lack of depth, with the top teams trouncing their opponents as can be seen by the difference figure. That will gradually change as the game grows and more quality in depth is achieved.

Group stage: 

St Helens got through its three group matches without conceding a point, York just 4, Leeds 8 and Featherstone 10! It was good to see the British Army women having a crack but were outgunned, 8-176 over the three matches they played.. 

Knock out phase: 

Three of the quarter final games were one sided but at least one was very close. All the group winners progressed to the semi finals with Leeds having the tougher assignment, defeating a finalist from last year York. 

This set up a very interesting final. Leeds was eliminated by Saints in the 2021 competition at the semi final stage and now they met in the final. Yet again Saints prevailed and conceded their first points of the entire competition.

Well done to all the women who were part of the 2022 Challenge Cup. 

For the league group 1 competition & finals, click here.