St Helens Women 30 Leeds Rhinos Women 14

Leeds Rhinos Women's Betfred Challenge Cup campaign has come to an end at the semi-final stage after a 30-14 defeat to St Helens.

The Rhinos went into the game positive, after three wins against Leigh, London and Cardiff. Lois Forsell's side hadn't conceded a point heading into the game, but they unfortunately couldn't keep that run going, with the Red Vee dotting down five times.

Keara Bennett returned to the side this week, after the England international missed the last two with a shoulder problem. Lacey Owen also returned, with the pair coming in for Tally Bryer and Frankie Blakey.

Saints looked to score in the opening few minutes, as half-back Faye Gaskin looked to touch down a bouncing ball. However, the decision was handed to the video referee and the try was disallowed for a knock on.

Leeds gradually got into the game, and almost had a try of their own in the opening 10. Creating some field position, hooker Ruby Bruce went close, but she was held up over the line.

The Red Vee would eventually break the deadlock through prop Erin McDonald. Crossing for her first of the season, she proved too strong for the Rhinos goal-line defence as she dotted down. Faye Gaskin added the extras.

Leeds had a chance to counter immediately, after the kick-off was dropped. However, they were unable to make most of the opportunity as Liv Whitehead had a try ruled out by the video referee.

The winger caught a high kick from Mel Howard, and did brilliantly to get over the line, but she was deemed to have knocked on in the act of scoring.

Saints would cross again through Zoe Harris, as Saints again put a kick in behind, but this time it paid off as the number six was first to react, increasing the Red Vee's lead to 12-0 at the break.

The second half would again see Saints cross first, with Gaskin touching down after her first half effort was chalked off. She converted her own kick to take the lead to 18, before veteran Emily Rudge crossed for the opposition's fourth.

After 51 minutes, Leeds were down by 24, but they were not out of the contest and were still fighting for an unlikely comeback.

Connie Boyd crossed for Leeds' first thanks to an offload from Lucy Murray. Howard added the extras to further reduce the deficit.

The Rhinos found joy with some expansive play. Touching down on both flanks, Ruby Enright and Liv Whitehead finished off well-worked team moves, but unsuccessful kicks from Howard only reduced the lead to 10 instead of a possible six.