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Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final
St Helens (12) 30
Tries: McDonald 2, Harris, Gaskin, Rudge Goals: Gaskin 5
Leeds (0) 14
Tries: Boyd, Enright, Whitehead Goals: Howard
St Helens withstood a strong second-half fightback from Leeds Rhinos to set up a Challenge Cup final reprise against old foes Wigan Warriors.
Saints looked to be cruising into the Wembley showpiece on May 30. They were 24-0 up after 50 minutes as Erin McDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin and Emily Rudge all scored tries, with Gaskin impeccable on the conversions.
Leeds finally found their feet after a poor first half as Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright and Olivia Whitehead hit back with tries to give Lois Forsell’s side hope.
The comeback was simply not soon enough, however, and McDonald’s second try removed any lingering doubt that Saints would face Wigan in a repeat of last year’s one-sided final, which the Warriors won 42-6.
More to follow.
St Helens: Rotheram; Burke, Hardcastle, Woosey, McGifford; Harris, Gaskin; Hoyle-Holdsworth, Casey, McDonald, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham.
Interchanges: Whitfield, Mottershead, McColm, Bridge.
Leeds: Stead; Whitehead, Kennedy, Boyd, Enright; Walker, Howard; Brown, Bruce, Glynn, Murray, Owen, Donnelly.
Interchanges: Bennett, Short, Naidole, Sharp.
