Women's Challenge Cup : 2024 (and some history)

The women's version of the Challenge Cup commenced in 2012 but the game back then was in its infancy and some - shall we say - obscure teams participated. In 2017 things seemed to take a step up and that is where I started the chart. Six points for the winner and three for the loser. 

Bradford won the first trophy but fell away after that. Castleford made two finals in 2018 and 2019 but it too has faded since. York was the losing finalist in 2021 but that was its only finals appearance. Otherwise, it's all about Leeds and St Helens. 

Leeds won in 2018 and 2019 with Saints subsequently winning the last four up to 2024. Leeds have been runner up on the last three occasions. 

For 2024, in the initial stage, there were four groups comprising sixteen teams. Castleford then pulled out, leaving one group with three sides. This led to the best eight entering the play offs as shown below.

Quarter finals: All the four matches were very one sided, something that will surely improve as the depth in player numbers improves. 

Semi finals: Scorelines were closer as the top sides went head to head. The two best sides were on the opposite side of the draw. Leeds won 34-20 and Saints 32-2 in what was a disappointing result for what is a strong York squad.

Final: Could Saints do it four times in a row. They sure could and did. They shut out Leeds who had no answer to give to a very determined opponent. Highlights of the game are below. Click on the red arrow and then - if you wish - you can expand the picture by clicking [ ] on the bottom extreme right or the YouTube name immediately to the left of that.