Wigan Ladies 28 Keighley Cats 34

Keighley secured a place in the Championship Cup final despite having a depleted team due to work commitments.

They put in a gritty performance against a full squad of Wigan players.

The Cats knew it would be a rollercoaster of a match which started out with two quick tries by the hosts.

Undeterred, Keighley pulled together and gained ground after a big drive forward by captain Jodee Loader. She passed out wide to Stacey Wood, who touched down.

Then Sarah Shillito, after being awarded a penalty, tapped to in-form Wood to put the ball down on the try line.

Wood gained her hat-trick after another great run down the wing ended up with yet another excellent try.

With some hard work from the whole team, Keighley were in control as the half-time whistle blew.

Wigan began the second half very strong following the introduction of fresh legs.

But a charging run down the middle by Loader and a pass to Shillito saw Cats score a neat try.

Hooker Louise Clarke then passed to Saima Hussain for another try.

Shelly Whitwham and Sarah Walsh led the Keighley pack well and there was some great work also from veteran Rachel Pressley and youngster Hannah Govier.

Wigan, with the pace of new interchanges, put pressure on the tiring Keighley and replied with a try.

Wood set off on another charge but was stopped abruptly by short-pulling. She managed to pass to Sarah Cartwright, who then fed Laura Ackroyd to score for Keighley.

Wigan were down but not out and pushed the button again to score another try.

With only five minutes remaining, Ackroyd was sin-binned for an alleged high tackle.

Wigan capitalised and scored but Keighley held on to win by six points.

The Cats face Nottingham on Sunday before the final in Derby on Saturday, August 21.