Halifax Panthers will go into this weekend’s Wheelchair Challenge Cup final clash with Leeds Rhinos in a confident mood having defeated their local rivals 62-42 in the Wheelchair Super League last weekend.

Panthers made it nine wins from nine league games with an impressive performance, in which they raced into a 36-0 lead after 26 minutes.

The Rhinos fought back to go into half time trailing 46-18 and although Leeds put up a fight in the second half, Panthers came out winners.

Rob Hawkins led the scoring with five tries and seven goals, while Fin O’Neill bagged four tries and Jack Brown completed a hat-trick.

Fin O'Neill scored four tries in the win over Leeds Rhinos. Pic: Halifax Panthers

placeholder image — Fin O'Neill scored four tries in the win over Leeds Rhinos. Pic: Halifax Panthers

Challenge Cup holders Halifax will be looking to retain the trophy at Robin Park Sports Centre, Wigan, on Saturday (3pm). Coverage will be on BBC iPlayer and the red button.

There was more good news from the Panthers camp when Halifax Reserves saw-off their Leeds Rhinos counterparts 28-24.

Jordan Holt and Jack Stockton each scored a brace while Coby Ibbetson and Ollie Harris also crossed. Harris and Dylan Greenwood added one goal apiece.