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Sport

Leeds Rhinos fight off Wigan Warriors to reach 2023 Women’s Challenge Cup final

Just one step away.

Danny Jones - 25th July 2023

Leeds Rhinos Women have overcome Wigan Warriors women to reach the 2023 Women's Challenge Cup final. Massive.

The Rhinos had to wrestle with a resolute Wigan side in the opening 45 minutes, with the two teams drawing 4-4 following a well-fought first half but managed to pull clear ahead after play resumed.

The Yorkshirewomen broke the stalemate around the hour mark thanks to an amazing sprint from Caitlin Beevers which got things moving again.

A brilliant show of fight from the Rhinos.

https://twitter.com/leedsrhinos/status/1683396777385291776?s=20

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With Tara Moxon adding a third try after 65 minutes, not to mention two penalty kicks from Eloise Hayward, Lois Forsell's side booked their place in the final at Wembley on Saturday, 12 August.

As the reigning Women's Rugby League champions of 2023, you'd have to put your money on them beating St Helens in the capital.

Here's hoping for more scenes like these — come on girls!

You can watch the 2023 Women's Challenge Cup semi-final highlights HERE.

https://twitter.com/leedsrhinos/status/1683147360296132608?s=20

Featured Image — Leeds Rhinos (via Twitter)/Wigan Warriors Women

Sport

Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved

Clementine Hall

One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.

Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.

Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.

Image: Supplied

The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.

The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.

At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.

The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.

Image: Supplied

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.

Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.

"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”

Read more: Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

Sport

A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds

Clementine Hall

Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.

Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.

Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.

And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.

There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.

The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.

If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.

Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.

Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.

“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.

“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.

“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."

It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds