After seeing off the challenge of Featherstone Rovers in the last round, Batley Bulldogs were rewarded with a home tie against Super Leagues' second placed side the Catalans Dragons.

With the exception of that Challenge Cup win, the Bulldogs have not recorded a victory since the end of March, but only a fool ever writes off a side coached by cup king John Kear.



The Dragons, having a superb season and pushing for the minor premiership, were massive favourites for the win at 1/66 whereas you could get a very generous 14/1 on Batley to progress.

Batley had a twenty-eight point start on the coupon, the bookies gave them no chance.

Hull FC secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a hard fought 24-13 win against the Catalan Dragons at the Stade Gilbert Brutus

In an error-strewn game played in blistering heat in the south of France Hull took the lead after 20 minutes with a try from Shannon McDonnell before Eloi Pelissier scored for the home side.

Points were shared for a second time in round 17 as Widnes came from behind to draw with Catalan 32-32.



Jack Owens levelled it up with a late penalty goal and with Scott Dureau in an ambulance on his way to hospital, Gregory Mounis missed a drop goal attempt.

Ian Henderson scored four seconds from time as Catalan resisted a late St Helens comeback to record back to back victories at Langtree Park.



Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook came close to scoring a minute from time but in a bitter twist of fate, it was Ian Henderson who had the last say.

Australian winger, Pat Richards recorded his 150th try in the Cherry and White with a 90 metre interception as the Warriors beat Catalan 38-0.



Richards made sure a difficult Dragons assault ended fruitlessly before notching up a second five minutes later.