Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Tries: Currie, Stone Goals: Sneyd 2
Tries: Batchelor 2, Burgess 2, Gildart Goals: Lewis 3, Martin 3
Hull Kingston Rovers secured a victory over Warrington Wolves in the semi-final, setting up a Wembley final against Wigan Warriors.
The defending champions dominated the opening 25 minutes, establishing a 14-0 lead with tries from James Batchelor and Joe Burgess. Mikey Lewis successfully converted both tries and added a penalty goal.
Warrington responded with a try from Ben Currie, but Hull KR's strong defense and quick play around the tackle area proved too effective for the injury-affected and underperforming Wolves.
Oliver Gildart scored the first try of the second half, further extending Hull KR's advantage. Lewis added another penalty, and both Burgess and Batchelor secured their second tries of the match. Sam Stone's late try for Warrington was insufficient to alter the outcome.
Heading into the match at Doncaster's Eco-Power Stadium, Hull KR were in excellent form, having won six consecutive games across all competitions after a slow start to their Super League title defense.
Warrington, despite losing key players George Williams, Cai Taylor-Wray, and James Harrison to injury, had won four of their last five matches in all competitions and had been strong early in the Super League season.
Hull KR, however, demonstrated the form that had seen them dominate last season and claim the World Club Challenge in February.
They applied pressure from the outset, capitalizing on a mistake by Josh Thewlis. Batchelor exploited a gap in Warrington's defense to score the opening try.
Thewlis redeemed himself with a try-saving tackle on Burgess, but Hull KR continued to press. Lewis added a penalty goal, and despite Warrington conceding successive penalties under pressure, Burgess executed a spectacular acrobatic try in the corner.
Warrington aimed to reach halftime without further damage and showed resilience by scoring through Ben Currie. Marc Sneyd's high kick on the last tackle caused a collision between Lewis and Jack Broadbent, allowing Currie to recover the loose ball and score.
The first try of the second half was crucial. With both teams engaged in a tight contest, Hull KR pulled ahead as Gildart scored. Two successful captain's challenges by Hull KR resulted in a penalty, which Rhyse Martin converted.
With Warrington's resistance waning, Burgess added another try in the corner. Stone responded for Warrington by scoring off a kick from Matty Ashton, giving their supporters some encouragement.
However, Hull KR reaffirmed their dominance when Batchelor was first to a delicate grubber kick from Tyrone May, sealing the victory.
Team Lineups
Warrington Wolves: Josh Thewlis; Ashton, King, J. Smith, Hopoate; Irwin, Sneyd; Sipley, Walker, Byrne, Stone, Bentley, Currie
Interchanges: Yates, Crowther, Philbin, Tanginoa
Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Lawton, Amone, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchanges: Litten, Luckley, Whitbread, Martin.
