Live

1895 Cup Final: Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs LIVE

Build up to the 1895 Cup FInal between Halifax and Batley. (Photo by Simon Hall)Build up to the 1895 Cup FInal between Halifax and Batley. (Photo by Simon Hall)
Build up to the 1895 Cup FInal between Halifax and Batley. (Photo by Simon Hall)
Welcome to our live coverage from WEMBLEY as Halifax Panthers take on Batley Bulldogs in the final of the 1895 Cup.

We’ll bring you all the updates from the showpiece occasion in what is a very special day for both clubs.

Batley Bulldogs, three times Challenge Cup winners, are playing at Wembley for the first time in their 143-year history, while Halifax return to the national stadium for the first time since 1988.

It promises to be an enthralling day.

1895 Cup Final: Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs LIVE

Challenge Cup Final update

News of a try in the Challenge Cup Final to separate the sides. Leigh have scored in the corner, which was converted, and they lead Hull KR 10-6, with just over ten minutes remaining.

While the Panthers had to overcome plenty of difficult obstacles on their road to Wembley, the Bulldogs had to ensure they avoided a couple of potential early banana-skins as they began what would turn out to be a historic journey to the national stadium.

A hard road for Fax

Fax’s journey to play under the arch was a difficult one. Firstly, they had to overcome Featherstone Rovers (although they managed that again last Sunday, more on that later) in the third round of the Challenge Cup, before going on to beat Barrow Raiders and Bradford Bulls. Then came a special evening with St Helens at The Shay. Fax then secured their place in the final with a nervy semi-final win at London Broncos.

Today represents the first time ever in Batley’s 143-year history that they have played at Wembley. It’s a special day for everyone concerned with the Bulldogs. Likewise for Fax. They haven’t had to wait as long, but a new generation of fans npw get the opportunity to see their team at Wembley. The last time was way back in 198, in defeat to Wigan.

Wembley during the Men’s Challenge Cup FinalWembley during the Men’s Challenge Cup Final
Wembley during the Men’s Challenge Cup Final

We’ve got just over one hour to wait for the 1895 Cup Final. It is due to kick off at 5.30pm after the Men’s Challenge Cup Final between Hull KR and Leigh Leopards, where it is currently 10-10. In the Women’s final - the first ever to be held at Wembley - St Helens beat Leeds Rhinos 22-8.

Hello, good afternoon (or perhaps evening or morning , depending on where you are tuning in from!) and welcome to our live blog for the upcoming 1895 Cup Final between Halifax Panthers and Batley Bulldogs.