Leigh claim Challenge Cup title

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Leigh Leopards lifted their first Challenge Cup since 1971 in a 17-16 win over Hull KR in Golden Point at Wembley Stadium.

The final between two sides looking to win one of rugby league's oldest trophies was a fiery and closely contested affair at England's premier stadium. 

The tone for the game was set early with a coming together between the sides which saw Leigh's Ben Reynolds make it 2-0 for the Leopards. 

Hull KR struck back with the first four-pointer of the final. Elliot Minchella broke through, offloaded to Jez Litten who strolled away. 

It was a nip and tuck game between the sides, Leigh wrestled back the lead through Lachlan Lam who sliced through from Kai O'Donnell's run to make it 8-6. 

Reynolds was a key figure in the action again after he was tackled late after kicking. The half dusted himself off to extend the Leopards lead and saw Minchella binned.

Brad Schneider was the hero in the semi-final and stepped up with the boot again. He kicked penalty goals either side of the break to level things at 10-all. 

The Leopards pounced again in the 65th minute to take the lead again. They decided to run on last and it ended with Tom Briscoe touching down in the corner. 

Hull KR needed something quickly to remain in the final. Schneider delivered again with a kick that rebounded right to Matt Parcell to score. 

It did need forensic investigation but was given the green light. Schneider sent the game into golden point with another superb conversion for 16-all. 

Golden Point was dominated by the Leopards. Gareth O'Brien missed but Lam slotted home the field goal to gift Leigh their first Challenge Cup in 52 years.

RELATED: See the full list of 2023 Betfred Challenge Cup Draw and Results.

Leigh Leopards 17
Hull KR 16

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Crowd: 58213
Date: Sunday 13 August 2023 at 12:00am

Leigh Leopards (17)
Tries: Lachlan Lam, Tom Briscoe
Goals: Ben Reynolds 4/4
Field Goals: Lachlam Lam 1

Hull KR (16)
Tries: Jez Litten, Matt Parcell
Goals: Brad Schneider 4/4