St Helens weathered a determined second-half rally from Leeds Rhinos to secure a place in the Challenge Cup final, where they will once again face rivals Wigan Warriors.
The Saints looked dominant early, building a commanding 24-0 lead by the 50th minute. Tries from Erin McDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin, and Emily Rudge, coupled with Gaskin’s flawless conversions, had them firmly in control.
Leeds struggled in the first half but found their rhythm after the break. Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright, and Olivia Whitehead each crossed the line, giving Lois Forsell’s side a glimmer of hope.
However, the comeback fell short. McDonald’s second try extinguished any doubt, ensuring St Helens would meet Wigan in a repeat of last year’s one-sided final, which the Warriors won 42-6.
Wigan had impressed in their semi-final demolition of York Valkyrie on Saturday, but St Helens quickly established their own authority in the second semi-final at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium.
McDonald proved unstoppable early on, exploiting a Leeds defense that lacked conviction in the opening 40 minutes. The try marked the first points the Rhinos had conceded in the competition this season.
St Helens’ defense was exceptional, with Rachael Woosey delivering a try-saving tackle on Whitehead. Whitehead also lost control of the ball when presented with another opportunity minutes later.
Gaskin’s clever kick set up Harris for another try, and a strong halftime talk from Leeds failed to inspire as Gaskin burst through three tackles to add her own try and conversion, taking her personal tally to 14 points.
Leeds finally found their rhythm, with their pack making substantial gains. They dominated the final 30 minutes: Boyd powered over, Enright finished a sweeping passing move, and quick hands freed Whitehead for a score out wide.
Mel Howard converted only one of three attempts, leaving the comeback too little, too late. McDonald sealed the win with her second try two minutes from time.
**St Helens:** Rotheram; Burke, Hardcastle, Woosey, McGifford; Harris, Gaskin; Hoyle-Holdsworth, Casey, McDonald, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham. Interchanges: Whitfield, Mottershead, McColm, Bridge.
**Leeds:** Stead; Whitehead, Kennedy, Boyd, Enright; Walker, Howard; Brown, Bruce, Glynn, Murray, Owen, Donnelly. Interchanges: Bennett, Short, Naidole, Sharp.