LONDON ROOSTERS are through to their first Wheelchair Challenge Cup final after coming from 22 points down to stun LEEDS RHINOS 30-28.
Four unanswered tries in the last half hour saw them to victory at the Barking Sporthouse in Essex, the winner coming just three minutes from time via a break from Joe Coyd.
Leeds burst into a twelve-point lead with the help of Nathan Mulhall and Ewan Clibbens tries before Coyd registered the only six points of London’s opening 40.
Nathan Collins scored twice in quick succession on the stroke of half-time, then again on the resumption, and his four conversions from five seemingly made them comfortable at 28-6.
But the Roosters came to life in the closing stages as Matt Wass and Coyd each scored doubles (one try converted by Coyd and three by Jason Owen) to complete a dramatic fightback.
It’s a first major final for the club since formation in 2022 – and they will face HALIFAX PANTHERS for the title.
Halifax, who last won the Challenge Cup in 2018, made light work of Super League newcomers SHEFFIELD EAGLES in an 100-18 success at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.
Will Calcott led the way with five tries, including three in a first half which the Panthers finished 52-12 ahead.
Finlay O’Neill scored twice in the opening period and kicked eight goals while Tom Martin, Nathaniel Wright, Jack Stockton and Jordan Holt also crossed.
Calcott added another two and Martin one more in a second half in which unrelenting Halifax unleashed star names Rob Hawkins (two tries and three goals), Jack Brown (three tries in his first game back from Australia) and Wayne Boardman (five goals) from the bench.
Sheffield’s points came through a Martin Lane try and Stephen Reilly double, plus conversions by Ben Simpson, Will Brooks and Joe Wink-Simmons.
The decider will be played at Wigan’s Robin Park Leisure Centre on Saturday, June 14 (2.00pm).
Results
Saturday 16 May
CHALLENGE CUP: London Roosters 30 Leeds Rhinos 28; Sheffield Eagles 18 Halifax Panthers 100.
CHAMPIONSHIP EAST: Bradford Bulls 100 York Knights 8; Hull KR 28 Batley Bulldogs 54.
CHAMPIONSHIP WEST: Hereford Harriers 44 Rochdale Hornets 28; Widnes Vikings 102 Salford Red Devils 14.
Sunday 17 May
CHAMPIONSHIP EAST: Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity -nr.
REGIONAL SOUTH: Bedford Tigers 48 Brentwood Eels 24.