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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

The Panthers celebrate in the Royal Box with the 1895 Cup. The Bulldogs’ fans have gone. The Fax fans are partying away.

The presentation will take place on the pitch. Fax players and fans will be celebrating this for a long time I’m sure!

Report and reaction

A report will be on our websites shortly.

The contrast in emotions, as you would expect, are staggering. Delight in the blue and white to my right. Batley’s players, crestfallen, trudge over their loyal fans.

THE PANTHERS WIN AT WEMBLEY!

The Panthers hold on for a famous win. That ending. Wow. You simply could not write it!

Halifax 12-10 Batley

What a way to win a cup! What a way to lose!

Drama. What drama! The kick is wide from Hooley and Fax can celebrate! They’ve won 12-10. Just. What an effort from the Bulldogs. Agony for them!

It’s wide! Halifax Panthers have won!!

It’s all on Luke Hooley

To take the game to golden point extra time. Can Hooley nail the conversion?

Batley have scored, right at the death. They somehow keep the ball alive, magically, working it from right to left and Kear is over in the corner!

Halifax 12-10 Batley

WHAT HAVE I JUST SEEN?!?!

THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Into the final two minutes

Can Batley do it? Can Halifax hold out?

They’re having a real go!

Batley captain, James Brown, head bandaged, has a go. Denied. Martyn Reilly is next. Denied also. Then Kieran Buchanan. Panthers’ defence is seemingly made of steel.

Halifax 12-6 Batley

Another set of six for the Bulldogs

Bulldogs are sensing another try. They nearly get in on the left but an interception is knocked on and Batley have another six.

Halifax 12-6 Batley

Into the final ten minutes...

Simple question: How are the nerves Halifax and Batley fans?

Halifax 12-6 Batley

Batley camped in the Fax 10, Meadows with the grubber and he tries to run onto it himself but Pickersgill claims it.

Halifax 12-6 Batley

Now it’s the Batley fans’ turn to sing. There is a spring in the Bulldogs’ steps. Fax looked comfortable. 12 minutes remaining.

Halifax 12-6 Batley

Hooley adds the two from a tight angle

Halifax 12-6 Batley

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