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.

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 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."

Image source, Getty Images

Hello 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.

Image source, SWPix.com

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.

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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