London Broncos Keep Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Dream Alive

Photo by Steve Miller

The quarter-final lineup for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup has been decided after the final round of group fixtures, with London Broncos pulling off a memorable upset against Super League side Barrow Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Heading into the match, both teams knew that victory would secure a coveted spot in the knockout stages — and it was the Broncos who made history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Barrow struck first through Chloe Capstick after 14 minutes, but the Broncos responded with a try from Jade Walker just before the half-hour mark to take a slender lead into the break.

The London side extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Nicole Kennedy broke from 60 metres out, outpacing the Barrow defence to score under the posts.

Barrow responded through Nicole Stewart, who also converted her own try to close the gap to 12-10. The Broncos, however, maintained their pressure and capitalised on a defensive error when Barrow were forced into touch 10 metres from their own line. From the resulting position, Oli Davies crossed over to push the lead further.

The home side almost drew level five minutes later through Vanessa Temple, but the Broncos sealed the win in the closing moments as Lauren Mueller touched down, with Kathryn Salter adding the conversion, her fourth of the afternoon.

Looking ahead, head coach Colin Baker, sponsored by The Craig Family said, "The Challenge Cup journey for Broncos Women this year has provided a stern test of our character and performance so far. It has been a real step up for us, but having played two tough league fixtures beforehand has certainly helped, and we have been able to beat a top tier side for the first time, in what was an extremely challenging fixture away at Barrow. Of course, the challenges continue as we face St Helens this week."

Next Round: Quarter Final St Helens v London Broncos

Saturday 26th April

Totally Wicked Stadium

1pm KO

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Betfred Women's Challenge Cup quarter-final fixtures:

York Valkyrie v Leigh Leopards 

Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants

Cardiff Demons v Wigan Warriors

St Helens v London Broncos 

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Group Stage results:

Group A

Sunday 6 April

Warrington Wolves 14 Cardiff Demons 42

Saturday 12 April

St Helens 102 Warrington Wolves 0

Saturday 19 April

Cardiff Demons 0 St Helens 54 

Group B

Sunday 6 April 

Huddersfield Giants 0 York Valkyrie 56

Sunday 13 April 

York Valkyrie 54 Featherstone Rovers 6

Friday 18 April 

Featherstone Rovers 8 Huddersfield Giants 36 

Group C

Saturday 5 April 

Leeds Rhinos 4 Leigh Leopards 46

Saturday 12 April 

Sheffield Eagles 0 Leeds Rhinos 104 

Group D 

Sunday 6 April 

Wigan Warriors 84 Barrow Raiders 0 

Sunday 13 April 

London Broncos 0 Wigan Warriors 44

Sunday 20 April 

Barrow Raiders 14 London Broncos 22  

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The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June, alongside the finals of the Men's 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final. Tickets are on sale now!