Rugby League: Wakefield Trinity 12 - 20 Leigh Leopards
Leigh Leopards are one game from another trip to Wembley
Second-half tries from Fanitesi Niu and Bailey Hodgson helped them through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup after a comeback victory at Wakefield Trinity.
Author - Josh T
Lachlan Lam's try put the visitors 6-0 up at the break before two quick tries after the interval from Matty Russell and Josh Rourke turned the game around to put the home side 12-6 ahead.
However, there were some twists to come Rourke's knock-on led to a superb try from Niu to bring Leigh level, before Gareth O'Brien kicked a penalty to put them ahead.
Wakefield again lost possession cheaply and Hodgson pounced to score the decisive try and send Leigh through.
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Revenge for Leigh and a closer look at what happened.
Leigh are back in the last four of the competition they won back in 2023, and they avenged last weekend's 40-14 Super League humbling by Wakefield.
They took an early lead as the ball was worked wide on the last tackle before a grubber in behind the defence was collected by Lam to score.
It proved the only score of the half as despite a greater share of territory, the visitors were kept in check and took a narrow lead into the break.
The game quickly changed after half-time as Mason Lino's cross-field kick bounced kindly for Russell to touch down. Oli Pratt then broke the Leigh defence and sent Rourke in to put Wakefield in front.
But two errors by Rourke led to the home side surrendering their ascendency. First, he spilled a high kick to hand Leigh possession, and Niu danced his way left and right before seeing off four tacklers to power to the line and level the tie at 12-12. Rourke then took O'Brien's high kick only to release a loose pass which Hodgson picked off to run in.
It knocked the life out of Wakefield, who never threatened to reignite the game in the closing stages. You can tell Leigh fans were delighted after the match. They could clinch another Challenge Cup title.
Best reaction
Leigh fans were delighted with the win and most aspects of the performance. What did you think of the win and the performance?
Gary said: "Superb performance from us. We controlled the tempo and for the majority of the match, we defended with grit and determination."
Jamie added: "Buzzing for another trip to Wembley. It shows how far the club has come. This could be a memorable season for the club."
Joanne said: "Fantastic fight from the team. We were sometimes tested but showed resilience and composure, especially in the second half. You can see the hunger to bring more silverware to Leigh."
Paul chipped in: "That was a proper cup tie. Physical, fast, and full of heart. The lads have matured as a unit since lifting the trophy in 2023 and performances like this show that once again, we’re not just here to make up the numbers."
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