Women's Match Report: Leigh Leopards

Sophie Messem
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London Broncos 20 - 8 Leigh Leopards

Broncos Women Secure Impressive Cup Win Over Leigh


London’s strong defence and effective game management proved decisive as they overcame Super League opposition Leigh 20–8 in their opening fixture of the Challenge Cup, continuing their winning start to the season.


London Broncos Women produced an impressive performance to defeat top-tier Leigh in Round 1 of the Challenge Cup group stage. In a three-team group also featuring Leeds, the result ensures London’s progression to the quarter-finals ahead of next weekend’s meeting, where a win would secure a home tie.


Played in difficult conditions with a strong wind affecting handling and territory, London led just 4–0 at the break after a tense first half. However, they took control in the second period, converting pressure into points while maintaining defensive discipline against higher-league opposition.


A tight opening saw both sides testing each other, with errors creeping in due to the conditions. London’s defence was called upon early, holding Leigh up over the line and producing repeated goal-line stands. The breakthrough came when Treco sparked momentum with a break, allowing Smart to crash over for the game’s first try, though the conversion was missed. That score remained the difference at half-time.


Leigh responded early in the second half to level at 4–4, but London quickly regained the initiative. Smart capitalised on a mismatch from a scrum to grab her second try, before D’Halluin added another as the Broncos began to turn pressure into points. Barber then powered her way over on the right edge to extend the lead to 16–4.


Despite Leigh pulling a try back to make it 16–8, London remained composed. Strong kicking pinned the visitors deep in their own half, while aggressive defence continued to limit opportunities. In the closing stages, D’Halluin crossed for her second try of the match to seal a deserved 20–8 victory.


Overall, London’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing against Super League opposition underlined the strength of their performance, setting them up well for a challenging clash against Leeds next weekend.


Match Stats Summary


Final Score: London Broncos 20–8 Leigh Leopards
Half-Time: London Broncos 4–0 Leigh Leopards


Tries Scored

  • London Broncos: 5 (Smart x2, D’Halluin x2, Barber)
  • Leigh Leopards: 2

Conversions

  • London Broncos: 0/5 (Salter)
  • Leigh Leopards: 0/2


Player(s) of the Match

  • Courtney Treco & Sian McLaughlin (London Broncos)


Photos by Paul Cowan MediaPac Sports

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