FT: St Helens 32-2 York Valkyrie
Saints' Leah Burke goes over for game's first try
Darcy Stott adds a second, external just after break, with Emily Rudge then going over
Phoebe Hook scores stunning fourth try for Saints, then scores another in the corner
Georgia Sutherland adds sixth try late on
Challenge Cup holders St Helens beat York at same stage last season
York are current Women's Super League champions
St Helens v York Valkyrie (11:15 BST)
You can watch BBC coverage or listen to BBC local radio commentary of the first women’s semi-final by clicking on the "Watch and listen" tab at the top of this page.
St Helens v York Valkyrie (11:15 BST)
York have only appeared in one previous Challenge Cup final, losing to St Helens at Leigh Sports Village in 2021.
They, like Saints, are desperate to experience the final at Wembley on 8 June.
"To get out there and play on that pitch is everything that us at York are wanting," forward Rhiannion Marshall told BBC Radio York.
They are no strangers to performing on the big occasion, having beaten Leeds to win a first Women’s Super League title in October.
St Helens v York Valkyrie (11:15 BST)
St Helens have been the dominant force in the Challenge Cup in recent seasons and are aiming to win the Challenge Cup for the fourth year in a row.
In 2023, they became the first women's side to win the trophy at Wembley, beating Leeds Rhinos 22-8 in August.
Saints and England forward Jodie Cunningham told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Semi-finals get more and more intense year on year. How big the prize at the other side is seems to get bigger as well.
"We know how good it is to play at Wembley and we’re desperate to get there again."
St Helens v York Valkyrie (11:15 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesHello and welcome to the first game of a Challenge Cup semi-final double-header on the BBC today.
Later, Hull KR and Wigan Warriors will aim to reach the final of the men’s competition.
Before that though, we'll discover the first women’s finalist.
It's the holders St Helens against last season’s Grand Final winners York Valkyrie for a place at Wembley on 8 June.
Holders St Helens, York, Leeds and Wigan all have eyes on the Challenge Cup final, and the prospect of gracing Wembley.
Read More
BBC Sport
Image source, SWPix.comWomen's Challenge Cup trophy
Both St Helens and York Valkyrie progressed from the group stage of the competition as the winners of their respective groups. St Helens finished top with six points - Warrington Wolves, London Broncos and Bradford Bulls making up the rest of group three.
York Valkyrie also topped their group with a 100% record - Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield Eagles making up the rest of group one.
At the quarter-final stage, St Helens cemented their place in the semi-finals with a resounding 74-0 win over Huddersfield Giants.
York Valkyrie also sealed their place in the semi-finals in emphatic fashion, following a 70-0 win over Featherstone Rovers.
All times in BST and subject to change
The BBC's coverage of the Women's Challenge Cup begins this weekend with both semi-finals being shown by the BBC. Coverage of the final will also be available across the BBC.
Saturday 18th May - Women's Challenge Cup Semi-Finals
St Helens v York Valkyrie (11:05 - 13:05) - Coverage is available via BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
Sunday 19th May - Women's Challenge Cup Semi-Finals
Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos (12:20-14:20) - Coverage is available via BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
Saturday 8th June - Women's Challenge Cup Final
TBC v TBC (11:15 - 14:00) - Coverage is available via BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
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