The Saints Women booked their spot in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Semi Final with a strong and comprehensive 78-0 victory over London Broncos Women in the Quarter Final.
First Half
It was a great start for the Saints, with Pheobe Hook breaking the deadlock after just 4 minutes. Salihi picked up a loose pass off the floor, crossing to Hook who dived into the corner, narrowly avoiding being dragged into touch. The Saints quickly found their rhythm and made their mark, 4-0.
A series of quick passes, from Zoe Harris and Faye Gaskin, saw Hook receive the ball on the edge and dive into the corner, recreating her try from just 3 minutes before. Gaskin Missed the kick, leaving the score 8-0.
The Saints’ attacking pressure continued, with Shona Hoyle breaking into open space following a clever pass from Zoe Harris, running in for a try in the 10th minute. Gaskin added the conversion, 14–0.
After a knock on from London’s Emily Hughes, Saints had the advantage with Shona Hoyle going the distance. Channy Crowl sliced through the Bronco’s defence, who were stood on the line, and grounded the ball. Gaskin added her second of the game, 20-0.
In the 18th minute, Erin Stott and Phoebe combined brilliantly down the wing, with the latter finishing sharply in the corner. A massive defensive stand midway through, in the 20th minute pinned the visitors deep in their own half, with relentless pressure snuffing out any chance of momentum.
The pressure remained, with a slick move along the line from Mottershead to Harris, then Gaskin to Salihi, setting up Amy Hardcastle to power through a gap and score beside the posts in the 23rd minute. Faye missed the conversion, but the Saints extended their lead to 28–0.
In the 28th minute, Casey’s powerful run set up Harris, who reached around to ground the ball just over of the line, after being initially held. Faye made no mistake with the conversion, 34-0.
Hardcastle saw her second try of the game after receiving an offload from Caitlin Casey just before the line. Gaskin added the 2, 40-0.
Georgia Sutherland made her mark on the game in the 34th minute, making an incredible run from the halfway line to score under the posts. The extras were added, 46-0.
A dominant first half was capped by Shona Hoyle with her second try just before the break, touching down just beside the sticks. Faye made the kick, 52-0.
View this post on Instagram
Second Half
The second half started slower, Gaskin and Crowl holding firm in defence as London’s attacking attempts were repelled. Saints quickly regained their attacking rhythm, and in the 45th minute, Whitefield played a quick ball to set up Hardcastle for another try. The kick went just wide of the post, 56-0.
A rapid exchange of passes launched from a scrum saw Whitefield to Stott, who set up Pheobe in the corner. Gaskin missed with the conversion, 60-0.
London had a brief spell of possession, but despite a knock-on leading to a scrum and some close moments, they were unable to break through. Saints’ defensive unit, including Hardcastle, Gaskin, and Crowl, stood tall and denied London from getting through.
Zoe Harris then sliced through, after multiple attempts on the line, to assist Whitfield who grounded under the posts in the 73rd minute. Faye added the kick, 66-0.
In the 76th minute, Hoyle grabbed her second try after a quick assist from Harris. Faye added the conversion. The home side continued to dominate in the final stages of the match, with a strong defensive set preventing London from finding any gaps. Despite a penalty that gave London an advantage, the Saints’ defence held firm, denying any late tries
2 minutes later, to finalise the score, Beri grounded her second of the match and Faye added the 2, 78-0.
View this post on Instagram
Match Summary
Saints Team: Beri Salihi, Pheobe Hook, Erin Stott, Amy Hardcastle, Dani McGifford, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin, Erin Mcdonald, Katie Mottershead, Channy Crowl, Shona Hoyle, Emily Rudge, Caitlin Casey.
Interchanges: Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Sutherland, Caitlin Maylor, Luci Mccolm
18th player: Alyx Bridge
Tries: Pheobe Hook (4,7,20, 48), Shona Hoyle (11, 37, 74), Channy Crowl (15), Amy Hardcastle (24, 31, 45), Zoe Harris (27), Georgia Sutherland (34), Vicky Whitfield (57), Beri Salihi (63),
Conversions: Faye Gaskin (9/15)
Broncos Team: Lauren Mueller, Emily Bell, Nicole Kennedy, Becky Smart, Erin Richards, Kathryn Salter, Jade Walker, Ellie Hunt-Pain, Polly Roberts, Chloe Allcorn, Katie Wallis, Tamsin Barber, Emily Hughes
Interchanges: Jay Badland-Shaw, Jade Coleman, Gianna Noble-Cunningham, Elle Trezise
18th player: Charley Foss
HT: 52-0
FT: 78-0
