What a day of Challenge Cup drama...

We have seen St Helens battle past Championship part-timers Halifax, Warrington overcome Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos lift the women's trophy for the second successive year after beating Castleford.

It was billed as an action-packed day of rugby league at the University of Bolton Stadium, and it hasn't fallen short of its promise.

While Leeds Rhinos Women secured the first major piece of rugby league silverware this season, St Helens and Warrington have the men's final to look forward to on 24 August.

Once again we will have the final covered with text, TV and radio commentary.

Join us then.

St Helens will meet their closest challengers in Super League, Warrington Wolves, at Wembley.

Here's how the Wire reached their third Challenge Cup final in four years by beating Hull FC in the day's first semi-final.

Watch highlights as St Helens break down a resilient Halifax side to win 26-2 and seal their place in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley for the first time since 2008.

Image source, Getty Images

It was billed as David v Goliath - a day in which Super League leaders St Helens would bully their way past a part-time, mid-table Championship side into the Challenge Cup final... it, however, was nothing of the sort.

Halifax made Saints work hard for the right to face Warrington in the final at Wembley.

Read about how it unfolded on the link below.

While this is a match that will be remembered for Halifax's dogged determination, this is is the moment St Helens really broke the Championship side.

With eyes on the line, Jonny Lomax fumbles the ball but he recovers to score what was Saints' third try.

Halifax captain Scott Murrell told BBC Two: "St Helens are a quality team but I'm just so proud of our boys and so proud be be part of that team, the effort they put in against top the top of Super League is unbelievable.

"We dug in deep, I'm so proud of the Championship, it's such a great competition, week in week out it's like that and personally it needs to be on TV a lot more."

Image source, PA Media

St Helens prop Alex Walmsley told BBC Two: “We have missed out so many times in recent years, getting to the semi-final and losing it. It was hurdle we needed to get over.

“It’s been 11 years since we have been to Wembley for a Challenge Cup final, is far too long for this club.

“It’s great to finally reward the fans who support us week in and week out. To finally get back to Wembley is fitting.”

Halifax head coach Simon Grix told BBC Two: "I am really proud of them. We certainly didn't get beaten on effort which is really pleasing.

"Saints know they have been in a game and that was a big thing for us."

Mike Walls: Professional performance from Saints there. Full credit to Halifax who made sure Saints knew they were in a game. Already got my Wembley tickets, St Helens vs Warrington, going to be a cracker!

Dan: Superb effort by both the Halifax team and fans today

Big Skell: Two, maybe three hours ago most people expected Saints to put 50-100 on Halifax or at least nil them...you cannot take anything away from the heart and desire of Halifax. I applaud you...some Super League teams should take note including mine!

Halifax full-back Scott Grix told BBC Two: "No one gave us a chance at the start of the game. St Helens are a quality side.

"I am just so proud of these boys and so proud to be part of that team.

"The effort that they put in against the top of Super League was unbelievable."

St Helens captain James Roby tells BBC Two: "It was very difficult. Full credit to Halifax, I thought their heart and desire was tremendous - if I was their coach I'd be so proud of the boys.

"It was testing for us and probably half-time came at a good time to regroup.

"I'm made up for everyone that we've got the chance to go to Wembley. As you get a little bit older these opportunities don't come too often."

Matt McGlone: Days like these are one of the reasons why I'm proud to support a team below Super League. Halifax have given everything on a big occasion and it means everything to the fans. We have bad days in the lower leagues but it's always worthwhile to stick by your team.

Milly McEvoy
BBC Sport at University of Bolton Stadium

The Halifax fans are still singing despite the scoreline.

They've just done a lovely rendition of 'Twist and Shout' by the Beatles.

Image source, Rex Features

Victory is St Helens', they are through to their fist Challenge Cup final in 11 years!

The Super League leaders have been made to work hard by a gritty, inventive and stubborn Halifax.

The Championship side were not given a chance before kick-off, but they have made this semi-final something truly special.

Halifax break the line, just 90 second remaining. Play is broken, can they shift the ball to punch a hole?

No... St Helens rush back to mop up the danger.

And in a flash they are off on the counter attack! Game over now...

Chances have come and gone for Halifax now... is the prospect of a memorable try beyond the Fax now?

Just two minutes remaining.

Halifax attack in waves now.

Tommy Makinson was on hand to collect a loose pass to keep Halifax at bay the fist time, but possession is soon regained.

A neat chipped kick from James Saltonstall then has Jonny Lomax rushing across to put dead to concede a drop out.

The kick-off is short again, and amazingly Halifax reclaim the ball as they have time and again today!

They haven't been shy with their approach today, but do they have a try in them? At the very least they deserve that much!

Mr Messy: Should Super League expand back to 14 teams with the expansion teams doing well in the Championship, as well as the Broncos displays in Super League this season?

John Smith: Suddenly seeing why Holbrook rested all those players last week. Fax could easily have won this.

Jonathan Davies
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

Image source, Getty Images

St Helens knew the points would come but I don't think they knew it would be this tough.