Leigh Leopards edge Hull Kingston Rovers in pulsating Challenge Cup final

Leigh Leopards ended a 52-year streak without a Challenge Cup crown thanks to a dramatic 17-16 win over Hull Kingston Rovers in Saturday's final at Wembley.

The two sides were locked level at 16-16 after 80 minutes, taking the match to a golden point, where Lachlan Lam kicked the decisive drop goal in front of head coach and father Adrian Lam.

Lam and Jez Litten had both crossed the line for their respective sides in the opening period, although a trio of Ben Reynolds conversions saw Leigh enter the break with a two-point advantage.

"You cannot write this story!" 🤯

Lachlan Lam makes himself a Leigh legend sealing #ChallengeCup glory 🏆

What a dramatic final! #BBCRL #ChallengeCuppic.twitter.com/XcTr4Icwsg

— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) August 12, 2023

The Manchester outfit notched a second through Tom Briscoe after a Brad Schneider penalty had drawn Hull level, but with 79 minutes on the board, Matt Parcell capitalised on a Zak Hardaker error for his side's second try of the afternoon.

Schneider's successful kick took an exhilarating final to golden point, and with 83 minutes gone, Lam received the ball from Gareth O'Brien and held his nerve to come up with the title-clinching drop goal.

Leigh's success in the English capital marked their third Challenge Cup title and first since 1971, and earlier in the day, St Helens overcame Leeds Rhinos 22-8 to win the Women's Challenge Cup final.