Wakefield Trinity fought back to win a tight West Yorkshire derby with Leeds Rhinos, while Super League leaders Wigan Warriors beat Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup fourth round.
Wakefield took the lead through Harvey Smith after a lengthy delay due to a power outage at DIY Kitchens Stadium.
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Leeds fought back through two strikes from the in-form Micah Siwo and one from Ash Handley, but Oliver Platt’s half-time score reduced Wakefield’s half-time deficit to two points.
Matty Storton gave the home side the lead before Ky Rodwell came on to win 24-14 and ensure Wakefield reached the quarter-finals for the second season running.
Leeds United have currently failed to reach the quarterfinals since winning the competition in 2020.
Wigan beat Bradford at the Brick Community Stadium, scoring in the first half through Luke Thompson, Zach Eckersley and Liam Marshall.
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Adam Keighran scored the Warriors’ fourth goal before Ethan Ryan added Bradford’s only goal and debutant Dajon Sambou completed the scoring as the home side won 30-6.
Wakefield shows great spirit to beat Leeds United
Wakefield’s game was halted 24 minutes early after the floodlights went out, and when play resumed Leeds were still off, allowing Wakefield to take control of the game and Smith opened the scoring.
Eventually Leeds woke up and Fijian Siwo passed the ball in the corner before Handley cut inside and scored to give Leeds the lead.
Seawo doubled Leeds’ advantage with his 11th try of the season in the fourth, before Pratt’s cross at the half-time whistle pulled Wakefield back into the game.
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Trinity built on this change of momentum, with Stoughton restoring the lead in the 51st minute.
Leeds tried to fight back and James McDonald caused a costly knock in front of the post before Harry Newman was sent to the bin.
Wakefield took full advantage and Rodwell crossed the line in the 70th minute to seal the victory in the first cup clash between the two sides in 12 years.
Wigan maintain winning start
Dayan Sambu scores on his Wigan debut [SWpix]
Wigan have looked unstoppable at times this season, with four wins from four Super League games, but they have given Bradford little chance.
The Warriors gave academy product Noah Hodgkinson his debut at fullback and Thompson scored with his first try of the season after just seven minutes.
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Bradford had a tap on Jack Farrimond’s ankle and Keighlan took the penalty.
Exkey doubled Wigan’s lead when he collected Ethan Harward’s kick, before Marshall knocked down Harry Smith’s kick at the half-time whistle to make it 20-0.
Keighran latched on to Brad O’Neill’s rude kick for Wigan’s fourth try before Ryan jumped over to at least get the Bulls on the board.
Sambu made a memorable debut for the Warriors, scoring his first try after 16 minutes by intercepting a pass from Bradford.
The final six games of the fourth round are all on Saturday.
