2018 Challenge Cup
The 2018 Challenge Cup , also known as the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup [ 1] for sponsorship reasons, was the 117th staging of the Challenge Cup , the main rugby league knockout tournament for teams in the Super League , the British National Leagues and a number of invited amateur clubs.
The cup was won by Catalans Dragons , who beat Warrington Wolves 20–14 at Wembley on 25 August 2018 to become the first non-British team to win the challenge cup in its 117-year history.[ 2] [ 3]
The defending champions, Hull F.C. , went out at the quarter-final stage.
The Catalans fullback , Tony Gigot , was voted the winner of the Lance Todd Trophy , becoming the first Frenchman to win the trophy since it was first awarded in 1946.[ 4]
The format of the competition was eight knock-out rounds followed by a final. The first two rounds were composed entirely of 48 amateur teams. The 12 winners of the second round ties were joined in round three by the 14 League 1 teams. For the fourth round, the 13 winners from round 3 were joined by 11 of the 12 Championship teams (Toulouse Olympique . who play in the Championship, chose not to enter the 2018 cup competition).[ 5] Round five saw four Super League teams entering the competition, namely those that finished in the top four positions of the 2017 Qualifiers —Warrington Wolves , Widnes Vikings , Hull Kingston Rovers and Catalans Dragons . The remaining eight Super League teams joined in round six.
Round details
Round
Date
Clubs involved this round
Winners from previous round
New entries this round
Leagues entering at this round
Round 1
27–28 January
48
n/a
48
39 English amateur clubs Scottish, Welsh & Irish champions 3 Armed Forces teams British Police 2 University rugby league representatives
Round 2
10–11 February
24
24
0
n/a
Round 3
24–25 February
26
12
14
League 1
Round 4
17–18 March
24
13
11*
Championship
Round 5
21–22 April
16
12
4
2017 Super League Qualifiers top 4
Round 6
12–13 May
16
8
8
2017 Super League top 8
Quarter-finals
2–3 June
8
8
n/a
n/a
Semi-finals
5 August
4
4
n/a
n/a
Final
25 August
2
2
n/a
n/a
*Toulouse Olympique did not participate in the competition.
First round
The draw for the first round was made on 12 December 2017 at Media City and streamed live on the BBC Sport website. The draw was made by recently retired Hull F.C. captain, Gareth Ellis , and former Lance Todd Trophy winner, Paul Wellens . The 48 teams in the draw comprised 39 English amateur teams, the winners of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish leagues, two teams from the Universities rugby league and representative teams for the three armed services and the police.
Ties were played over the weekend of 27–28 January 2018 with the exception of one game postponed to the following weekend.[ 5]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance[ A]
Leigh Miners Rangers
18–22
Myton Warriors
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
Twist Lane
Underbank Rangers
16–17[ a]
Batley Boys
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
The Cross Grounds
Kells
40–8
British Police
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Old Arrowthwaite
D. Arnold
Wallsend Eagles
6–42
Pilkington Recs
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
Benfield Sports Centre
Rochdale Mayfield
28–0
Crosfields
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
Mayfield Sports Centre
L. Staveley
Lock Lane
48–0
Hindley
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Hicksons Arena
J. Barr
Hunslet Club Parkside
walkover[ b]
Valley Cougars
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Hillidge Road
London Chargers
18–0
Hammersmith Hills Hoists
27 January 2018, 1:00pm
New River Stadium
T. Jones
Royal Air Force
12–4
Drighlington
27 January 2018, 1:30pm
RAF Cranwell
N.Woodward
Oulton Raiders
28–26
Siddal
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Oulton & Woodlesford Sports club
Millom
36–18
Strathmore Silverbacks
27 January 2018, 1:30pm
Coronation Field
D. Bowmer
Loughborough University
4–38
Bradford Dudley Hill
27 January 2018, 12:00pm
Rugby Rubbercrumb
S.Ellis
University of Hull
24–10
Hensingham RLFC
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
Hull Uni Sports & Fitness Centre
M. Smaill
Orrell St James
34–0
Northampton Demons
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
Bankes Avenue
Royal Navy
11–12[ c]
Normanton Knights
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
US Sports Ground
York Acorn
16–32
Askam RLFC
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Thanet Road
Saddleworth Rangers
12–22
Thatto Heath Crusaders
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Shaw Hall Bank Road
Shaw Cross Sharks
18–0
Beverley
3 February 2018, 2:00pm[ d]
Bywell Field
C. Astbury
West Hull
58–10
Longhorns ARLFC
28 January 2018, 2:00pm
Community Park
East Leeds
10–28
Thornhill Trojans
27 January 2018, 2:30pm
East End Park
J. Stearne
Hunslet Warriors
0–30
Wath Brow Hornets
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
The Oval
H. Neville
Featherstone Lions
34–14
Skirlaugh
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
The Millpond
British Army
48–10
Milford Marlins
27 January 2018, 3:00pm
Aldershot Rugby Stadium
C. Worsely
Distington ARLFC
32–24
Queens ARLFC
27 January 2018, 2:00pm
Grass Road
Source:[ 6]
^ after golden point extra time
^ Tie was scratched and awarded to Hunslet Club Parkside as Valley Cougars were unable to raise a team for the scheduled date and scheduling issues made re-arranging the fixture impossible
^ after golden point extra time
^ Match postponed from 27 January due to waterlogged pitch.
Second round
The draw for the second round was made on 31 January 2018 at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium and streamed live on the BBC Sport website. The draw was made by Warrington Wolves former prop forward and Swinton Lions coach, Gary Chambers, and current Warrington forward Sitaleki Akauola . The 24 teams in the draw comprised the winners from the first round.[ 7]
Ties were played on 10 February 2018. Batley Boys won their tie with a drop goal in golden point extra time, having won their first round tie in the same fashion.[ 8]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance[ B]
British Army
26–14
London Chargers
10 February 2018, 1:00pm
Aldershot Military Stadium
K. Moore
Millom
24–12
Bradford Dudley Hill
10 February 2018, 1:30pm
Coronation Field
N.Woodward
Kells
16–4
Orrell St James
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Old Arrowthwaite
L. Rush
Batley Boys
13–12[ a]
Royal Air Force
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Halifax Road
J. Stearne
Oulton Raiders
24–10
Shaw Cross Sharks
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Oulton Community Sports Club
G.Houston
Distington
12–4
Lock Lane
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Distington Community Sports Club
M. Smaill
Hunslet Club Parkside
24–6
Wath Brow Hornets
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Hillidge Road
P. Marklove
Pilkington Recs
16–0
Thornhill Trojans
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Ruskin Drive
J. Jones
Featherstone Lions
18–6
Thatto Heath Crusaders
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
The Mill Pond Stadium
M. Rossleigh
Askam
16–4
West Hull
10 February 2018, 2:00pm
Sandy Lane
J. Barr
Rochdale Mayfield
4–8
Normanton Knights
10 February 2018, 2:30pm
Mayfield Sports Arena
C. Smith
University of Hull
18–22
Myton Warriors
10 February 2018, 2:30pm
University of Hull
C. Worsley
Source:[ 8]
Third round
The draw for the third round was made on 13 February live on the BBC Sport website. The draw was made by Super League players Alex Walmsley and Kriss Brining . Ties were played over the weekend of 24–25 February.[ 9]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance
Kells
30–4
British Army
24 February 2018, 2:00pm
Old Arrowthwaite
C. Smith
300
Normanton Knights
18–0
Batley Boys
24 February 2018, 2:00pm
Queen Elizabeth Drive
M. Smaill
350
Askam
6–64
York City Knights
24 February 2018, 2:30pm
Fallowfield Park
B. Milligan
750
Hunslet Club Parkside
16–24
Workington Town
24 February 2018, 2:30pm
John Charles Stadium
T. Crashley
285
Pilkington Recs
32–16
Millom
24 February 2018, 2:30pm
Ruskin Drive
J. Stearne
285
Hemel Stags
0–74
Newcastle Thunder
25 February 2018, 2:00pm
Pennine Way stadium
A.Sweet
115
North Wales Crusaders
28–24
Keighley Cougars
25 February 2018, 2:30pm
Racecourse Ground
J.Jones
281
Bradford Bulls
82–6
West Wales Raiders
25 February 2018, 3:00pm
Odsal Stadium
N.Woodward
1,505
Coventry Bears
42–12
Distington
25 February 2018, 3:00pm
Butts Park Arena
C. Worsley
267
Doncaster
82–6
Myton Warriors
25 February 2018, 3:00pm
Keepmoat Stadium
M.Mannifield
388
Hunslet
72–16
Oulton Raiders
25 February 2018, 3:00pm
South Leeds Stadium
B. Pearson
896
Oldham
42–0
Featherstone Lions
25 February 2018, 3:00pm
Vestacare Stadium
L. Staveley
364
Whitehaven
16-14
London Skolars
25 February 2018, 6:00pm
Recreation Ground
M. Griffiths
439
Source:[ 10]
Fourth round
The draw was conducted by former player (and Challenge Cup winner) Rob Parker and former Scottish international Andrew Henderson .[ 11] [ 12]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance
Kells
6–56
Toronto Wolfpack
16 March 2018, 6:15pm
Recreation Ground [ a]
N. Bennett
1,000
Doncaster
34–0
Newcastle Thunder
16 March 2018, 8:00pm
Keepmoat Stadium
L. Staveley
398
Normanton Knights
8–20
Rochdale Hornets
17 March 2018, 2:00pm
L.D. Nutrition Stadium [ b]
G. Dolan
Not recorded
Barrow Raiders
28–16
Sheffield Eagles
18 March 2018, 3:00pm
Craven Park
B. Robinson
936
Batley Bulldogs
4–8
Leigh Centurions
18 March 2018, 3:00pm
Fox's Biscuits Stadium
T. Grant
606
Whitehaven
25–18
Dewsbury Rams
18 March 2018, 3:00pm
Recreation Ground
A. Sweet
414
Workington Town
20–22
London Broncos
18 March 2018, 3:00pm
Derwent Park
M. Griffiths
548
York City Knights
26–12
Swinton Lions
18 March 2018, 3:00pm
L.D. Nutrition Stadium [ c]
M. Mannifield
525
Halifax
6–27
Oldham
20 March 2018, 7:30pm[ d]
The Shay
B. Pearson
688
North Wales Crusaders
6–66
Featherstone Rovers
20 March 2018, 7:30pm[ d]
L.D. Nutrition Stadium [ e]
J. Roberts
1,098
Coventry Bears
31–20
Pilkington Recs
25 March 2018, 3pm[ d]
Butts Park Arena
A. Sweet
395
Hunslet RLFC
10–34
Bradford Bulls
2 April 2018, 2:00pm[ d]
South Leeds Stadium
N. Bennett
1,081
Source:[ 17] [ 18]
^ Match played at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground[ 13]
^ Played at Featherstone Rovers' ground
^ Played at Featherstone Rovers' ground due to the pitch at Bootham Crescent being waterlogged.[ 14]
^ a b c d Fixture postponed on 18 March due to bad weather.[ 16]
^ After being postponed on 18 March and with North Wales' ground being unavailable mid-week, the clubs agreed to reverse the fixture and play at Featherstone to enable the fixture to be played as soon as possible.[ 15]
Fifth round
The draw was made on 20 March 2018 by two Women's Super League players, Faye Gaskin of St. Helens and Gemma Walsh of Wigan Warriors .[ 19]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance
Widnes Vikings
90–0
Coventry Bears
21 April 2018, 13:00
Select Security Stadium
J McMullen
1,438
Warrington Wolves
54–6
Bradford Bulls
21 April 2018, 15:00
Halliwell Jones Stadium
T Grant
4,710
Doncaster
16–26
Featherstone Rovers
22 April 2018, 15:00
Keepmoat Stadium
M Rossleigh
1,076
Leigh Centurions
40–0
London Broncos
22 April 2018, 15:00
Leigh Sports Village
L Moore
2,507
Oldham
0–32
Hull KR
22 April 2018, 15:00
Bower Fold
G Hewer
1,064
Toronto Wolfpack
16–12
Barrow Raiders
22 April 2018, 15:00
Furness Heating Components Stadium [ a]
G Dolan
1,140
Whitehaven
38–0
Rochdale Hornets
22 April 2018, 15:00
Recreation Ground
L Staveley
604
York City Knights
22–34
Catalans Dragons
22 April 2018, 15:00
Bootham Crescent
C Kendall
3,081
Source:[ 20]
^ Tie was played at Barrow even though Toronto were drawn as the home team.[ 19]
Sixth Round
The draw for the Sixth Round was made on 25 April 2018, live on Chris Evans ' Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Two, alongside Leeds Rhinos veteran forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan , and Warrington Wolves winger Josh Charnley .[ 21]
Home
Score
Away
Match Information
Date and Time
Venue
Referee
Attendance
Featherstone Rovers
20–38
Hull F.C.
10 May 2018, 7:35pm
LD Nutrition Stadium
S. Mikalauskas
2,322
Leigh Centurions
22–10
Salford Red Devils
11 May 2018, 7:35pm
Leigh Sports Village
L. Moore
4,024
Huddersfield Giants
24–14
Wakefield Trinity
11 May 2018, 7:45pm
John Smith's Stadium
G. Hewer
2,631
Widnes Vikings
20–23
Leeds Rhinos
11 May 2018, 8:00pm
Select Security Stadium
G. Dolan
1,865
Castleford Tigers
18–36
St. Helens
12 May 2018, 2:30pm
Mend-A-Hose Jungle
J. Child
5,342
Catalans Dragons
56–10
Whitehaven
12 May 2018, 3:30pm
Stade Gilbert Brutus
M. Rossleigh
2,533
Hull KR
10–28
Wigan Warriors
13 May 2018, 3:00pm
MS3 Craven Park
C. Kendall
3,524
Toronto Wolfpack
10–66
Warrington Wolves
13 May 2018, 4:00pm
Halliwell Jones Stadium [ a]
B. Thaler
6,507
Source:[ 22]
^ Toronto were drawn as the home team, but the game was played at Warrington.[ 21]
Quarter-finals
The draw for the quarter-finals was made live on BBC Two directly after the conclusion of the Toronto v Warrington game. The draw was made by former players Nathan McAvoy and Robbie Hunter-Paul . Ties were played 31 May – 3 June with all four ties being televised either on Sky Sports or the BBC.[ 23]
Semi-final
On 30 May 2018 the RFL announced that the semi-finals would be played as a double header at the University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton on Sunday 5 August 2018.[ 26] The draw was made live on BBC Two, directly after the end of the St Helens v Hull FC match. The draw was made by Sophie Rohan and Emily Burnette (the members of Belle Voci ), who would sing "Abide with Me " before the final on 25 August.[ 27]
Final
Catalans Dragons lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley following victory in the Final
Teams: [ 29]
Catalans: Tony Gigot , Lewis Tierney , David Mead , Brayden Williame , Fouad Yaha , Samisoni Langi , Josh Drinkwater , Mickael Simon , Michael McIlorum , Sam Moa , Benjamin Jullien , Benjamin Garcia , Remi Casty (c).
Substitutes (all used): Julian Bousquet , Jason Baitieri , Kenny Edwards , Mickael Goudemand .
Tries: Tierney, Garcia, Williame. Goals: Drinkwater (4/4)
Warrington: Stefan Ratchford , Tom Lineham , Bryson Goodwin , Toby King , Josh Charnley , Kevin Brown , Tyrone Roberts , Chris Hill (c), Daryl Clark , Mike Cooper , Harvey Livett , Jack Hughes , Ben Westwood .
Substitutes (all used): Ben Murdoch-Masila , George King , Declan Patton , Joe Philbin .
Tries: Murdoch-Masila, G King. Goals: Roberts (3/3)
Broadcasts
The primary broadcast organisation for the competition is BBC Sport . As in 2017 the BBC streamed one tie from each of the first five rounds live on the BBC Sport website with two games from the 6th, 7th and 8th rounds being broadcast live on BBC TV.[ 30]
Live matches
Round
Match
Date
Broadcast method
1st
Rochdale Mayfield v Crosfields[ 30]
27 January, 2:00pm
streamed BBC Sport
2nd
Featherstone Lions v Thatto Heath Crusaders [ 31]
10 February, 2:00pm
streamed BBC Sport
3rd
Coventry Bears v Distington[ 32]
25 February, 3:00pm
streamed BBC Sport
4th
Normanton Knights v Rochdale Hornets [ 33]
17 March, 2:00pm
streamed BBC Sport
5th
York City Knights v Catalans Dragons [ 34]
22 April, 2:00pm
streamed BBC Sport
6th
Featherstone Rovers v Hull F.C. [ 35]
10 May, 7:35pm
Sky Sports Arena
Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils [ 35]
11 May, 7:35pm
Sky Sports Arena
Castleford Tigers v St Helens [ 35]
12 May, 2:30pm
BBC One
Toronto Wolfpack v Warrington Wolves [ 35]
13 May, 3:30pm
BBC Two
QF
Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons
31 May, 7:35pm
Sky Sports Arena
Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions
1 June, 7:35pm
Sky Sports Arena
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors
2 June, 2:30pm
BBC One
St. Helens v Hull F.C.
3 June, 3:30pm
BBC Two
SF
St. Helens v Catalans Dragons
5 August, 12:30pm
BBC One
Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos
5 August, 2:45pm
BBC One
F
Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves
25 August, 3:00pm
BBC One
See also
Notes
^ Attendances for the first round are not reported.
^ Attendances for the second round are not reported.
References
^ "Challenge Cup: Ladbrokes replace Tetley's as title sponsor" . BBC Sport. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2017 .
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final; Catalans become first French team in 117 years, to win challenge cup" . BBC Sport . 25 August 2018.
^ "Catalans Dragons beat Warrington in Challenge Cup final to make history" . Guardian . 25 August 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018 .
^ "Catalans Dragons 20 Warrington Wolves 14: French side make history to become first non-English Challenge Cup winners" . Daily Telegraph . 25 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018 .
^ a b "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round draw" . Rugby Football League. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "Challenge Cup Results" . Rugby Football League . 27 January 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2018 .
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup second round draw" . Rugby Football League. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ a b "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Up". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 108. 12 February 2018. p. 29.
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round draw" . Rugby Football League. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "Scoreboard: Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Three". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 110. 26 February 2018. p. 39.
^ "Challenge Cup 2018: Fourth-round draw details" . The Mail . 27 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018 .
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Fourth round draw" . Rugby Football League. 22 February 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "Match Report – Kells ARL Vs Toronto Wolfpack" . Toronto Wolfpack. 16 March 2018.[permanent dead link ]
^ "Featherstone's ground passes pitch inspection to stage York City Knights v Swinton Lions in Challenge Cup" . York Press . 18 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018 .
^ "Fixture reversed: Rovers to host Crusaders in Cup" . Featherstone Rovers. 18 March 2018.
^ "Fixtures - Rugby League" . BBC Sport. 18 March 2018. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018 .
^ "Scoreboard: Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Four". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 113. 19 March 2018. p. 36.
^ "Scoreboard: Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Four". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 114. 26 March 2018. p. 39.
^ a b "York City Knights to host Catalans Dragons in fifth round of Ladbrokes Challenge Cup" . RFL. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup: Round Five". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 118. 23 April 2018. p. 39.
^ a b "Challenge Cup 6th Round Draw" . RFL. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Six". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 121. 14 May 2018. p. 40.
^ "Challenge Cup quarter final draw takes place tomorrow" . St Helens Star . 12 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018 .
^ "Rhinos switch Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter Final to Featherstone" . Leeds Rhinos. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018 .
^ "Scoreboard:Betfred League 1 Round 1". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 124. 4 June 2018. p. 39.
^ "Challenge Cup 2018: Bolton Wanderers to host Challenge Cup semis" . BBC Sport . 30 May 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018 .
^ "Opera duo to conduct semi-final draw at Saints" . This is Lancashire . 31 May 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2018 .
^ "Scoreboard:Ldbrokes Challenge Cup Semi-Finals". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3, 133. 6 August 2018. p. 36.
^ a b Butcher, Tim & Spencer, Daniel (2018). Rugby League Yearbook 2018–2019 . League Publications. pp. 70–71. ISBN 978-1-901347-37-1 .
^ a b "Mayfield and the Soap selected for live Challenge Cup coverage" . Total RL . League Publications. 10 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018 .
^ "Second round fixture confirmed for BBC Sport stream" . RFL. 6 February 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "BBC Sport cameras to show Distington's Challenge Cup clash with Coventry Bears" . Times & Star . 20 February 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018 .
^ "Normanton Knights v Rochdale Hornets selected for BBC Sport" . RFL. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
^ "York v Catalans selected by BBC for live streaming fixture" . Total RL . League Publications. 11 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018 .
^ a b c d "Ladbrokes Challenge Cup sixth round TV games confirmed" . RFL. 26 April 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023 .
External links
Official website
Years Finals (List )
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