Challenge Cup: Hull FC, Warrington and Catalans through to last eight

2025-03-16 06:07:00

Abstract: Hull FC upset Wigan in Challenge Cup. Warrington & Catalans also advanced to the quarter-finals after victories against Widnes & Featherstone.

Hull FC produced a stunning upset in the Challenge Cup fourth round, defeating the reigning champions Wigan Warriors 26-22. This victory is considered the biggest surprise of this round of matches.

Winger Lewis Martin scored a second-half hat-trick, along with tries from Herman Ese'ese and former Warrior Amir Bourouh, helping the away side to a shock victory over the 21-time champions. Wigan Warriors had taken a 16-point lead in the first half, with Zach Eckersley, Jai Field, and Junior Nsemba scoring tries, and Harry Smith successfully kicking two conversions.

"At half-time, probably everyone watching thought we had no chance, but the boys stuck in there, and what an unbelievable win," Martin said in an interview with BBC Radio Humberside. "We'll take anyone we get. We have confidence in the group and believe we can beat anyone. It doesn't really matter who we get."

John Cartwright's Hull team joins Warrington in the quarter-finals. Warrington also progressed after a comeback victory against local rivals Widnes Vikings. Additionally, Catalans Dragons secured their spot with a dominant 46-18 victory over Featherstone.

Widnes Vikings gave their neighbours Warrington a tense evening, taking the lead after just five minutes through a try from Danny Langtree. It wasn't until half an hour into the game that the visitors leveled the score with Adam Holroyd touching down following a pass from George Williams. Josh Thewlis then scored after a Ryan Ince error, giving Warrington a 10-6 lead at half-time. Two tries for the home side, first from Matt Fleming and then Jack Owens, saw them regain a six-point lead, leading to a back-and-forth battle. However, the Championship side could not hold on, despite a valiant effort, with Max Wood capitalising on another Vikings error to level the scores at 16-16. With 10 minutes remaining, Ben Currie scored in the corner to give the visitors the lead, before a try from Zane Musgrove sealed a tense and thrilling match, ending with a score of 26-16.

In another match, Sam Tomkins led Catalans Dragons to an easy night, comfortably defeating Championship side Featherstone Rovers. The 35-year-old, making his first appearance since recovering from a hamstring injury, scored two tries and kicked five goals in the French side's nine-try victory. Tries from Paul Seguier, Luke Keary, Chris Satae, Fouad Yaha, Reimis Smith, and two from Australian winger Nick Cotric also helped the Dragons cruise into the quarter-finals. Two tries from Connor Wynne and another from substitute Jordan Williams ultimately weren't enough to help the Rovers recover, bringing an end to their impressive cup run.