Warrington defeat Leigh to reach Wembley

Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final

Warrington (15) 21

Tries: Tai, Vaughan, King Goals: Sneyd 4 Drop-goal: Sneyd

Leigh (4) 14

Tries: Ipape, Niu 2 Goal: O'Brien

Warrington Wolves secured a second consecutive Challenge Cup final appearance with victory over local rivals Leigh Leopards in a pulsating match at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Edwin Ipape put Leigh ahead after just 49 seconds but tries from Rodrick Tai, Paul Vaughan and Toby King, and the impeccable kicking of Marc Sneyd put Sam Burgess' side in control.

Leigh, who won the 2023 final, refused to give up as Tesi Niu went over twice in the second half, but Sneyd's shrewd drop-goal with the last action of the first half kept daylight between the sides, in sweltering conditions.

Wire, who lost to all-conquering Wigan Warriors at Wembley last year, will face Hull Kingston Rovers in the final on 7 June.

More to follow.

Warrington: Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Tai, King, Ashton; Ratchford, Sneyd; Yates, Powell, Vaughan, Holroyd, Fitzgibbon, Currie.

Interchanges: Philbin, Crowther, Lindop, Harrison.

Leigh: Armstrong; McIntosh, Niu, Hanley, Charnley; O'Brien, Lam; Trout, Ipape, Mulhern, O'Neill, Hughes, Liu.

Interchanges: Hodgson, McNamara, Davis, Ofahengaue.

Referee: Liam Moore.