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14 March 2025, 22:11 GMT
St Helens turned in an impressive second-half performance to seal a 22-14 victory over Leeds Rhinos and book their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
The 2021 winners scored through Kyle Feldt, Tristan Sailor, Matt Whitley and Harry Robertson to put the visitors away on a chilly night, with Ash Handley and Harry Newman replying.
Paul Wellens’ side had to come from behind and withstand some strong pressure but bounced back from their Super League loss to Hull KR last time out.
Saints are joined in the draw by Hull KR and Salford Red Devils, despite differing nights for the two against Championship opposition.
League leaders Rovers overpowered Oldham 40-0 at Craven Park in a one-sided contest, while Bradford Bulls provided a sterner test for a troubled Salford at the Community Stadium but were eventually edged out 26-16.
Saints too strong for Rhinos
Having started the season with a flurry of wins, Saints ran aground against Hull KR a week ago, but their attacking display after the interval might have eased a few concerns given the crispness of some of their play.
Feldt’s try came from a smart kick, Sailor backed up his own line-break assist to receive a pass from Harry Robertson to score, and then threaded a perfect kick which Leeds failed to deal with to return the favour.
Whitley also profited from strong running by George Delaney and Jonny Lomax to cross.
Leeds failed to score a single point against Catalans in Perpignan last weekend, and Brad Arthur’s side lacked the fluidity and execution to finish off some excellent situations.
Their two scores came with Saints clear on the scoreboard, and they failed to find the extra gear needed.
Salford stem the flow
It has been a horrid time for Salford. Players and staff are waiting to be paid, a protracted takeover is yet to be completed, and on-field sanctions are hampering Paul Rowley’s selection options. The club were also forced into the sale of Marc Sneyd to Warrington Wolves to add much-needed funds.
As such, the Red Devils were tipped to struggle against a Bradford side who had already dumped out Castleford Tigers out in the previous round, and for a time it seemed the worst could happen.
Although Esan Marsters opened the scoring for Salford, tries from Guy Armitage and Zac Fulton put the Bulls in front, and Kieran Gill added further points after the break.
However, Salford – winless in Super League – found their feet to book a quarter-final spot thanks to second-half tries from Ryan Brierley, Jayden Nikorima and ex-Bulls winger Ethan Ryan, while Kai Morgan excelled from the tee.
Gildart leads way for Hull KR
SWPIX.COMWillie Peters was rewarded for his strong team selection as Hull KR made light work of Oldham to move into the quarter-finals.
The Roughyeds, under former cup-winner Sean Long, have invested heavily for the Championship but found last season’s Super League runners-up in ruthless mood.
Tom Davies, Jai Whitbread, debutant Lee Kershaw and Oli Gildart went over to set the first-half platform.
Further tries from Gildart, another debutant in Bill Leyland, and Jack Broadbent put a satisfying gloss on the scoreline for the 2023 finalists.
