Super League: St Helens 30-14 Leeds Rhinos

St Helens withstood a strong second-half fightback from Leeds Rhinos to set up a Challenge Cup final against old foes Wigan Warriors.

Saints were seen traveling to the Wembley showpiece on 30 May. They were 24-0 up after 50 minutes as Erin MacDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin and Emily Roose all scored tries, with Gaskin outstanding in the conversion.

Leeds finally found their feet after a poor first half as Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright and Olivia Whitehead tried to give Lois Forsell’s side hope.

However, the comeback was short-lived, 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.

Wigan were in ruthless mood when they beat York Valkyries on Saturday, but Saints quickly stamped their own personality in the second semi-final at Doncaster’s EcoPower Stadium.

Macdonald was too strong for a Leeds defense that lacked belief and conviction in the opening 40 minutes, and that try denied the Rhinos their first points in the competition this season.

By contrast the Saints’ defense was exceptional, their best moment a brilliant try-saving tackle by Rachel Woosey on Whitehead, who lost control of the ball minutes later with another chance.

Gaskin’s fine kick sent Harris over for another Saints try, and the half-time pep talk for the rattled Rhinos fell flat as Gaskin burst through three tackles and added the conversion for a personal haul of 14 points.

Leeds eventually found their rhythm, their big pack making good yards, and dominated the final half-hour when Boyd forced his way through, Enright finished with the best passing move of the match, and quicker hands left Whitehead free to fire wide.

Mel Howard kicked one of his three conversion tries to ensure the comeback was too little, too late and Macdonald was able to complete the scoring with two minutes from time.