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History of the Powergen Challenge Cup

The Rugby League Powergen Challenge Cup has a long and rich history, and has been played every year since 1896, with exception of a four-year gap due to the First World War and in 1940.

The Powergen Challenge Cup is one of sport's most prestigious tournaments. The competition encompasses all levels of the game, from amateur rugby league teams, through to a mix of teams from nations such as Russia and France and the professional Super League Teams.

The late 1980's saw the start of the Challenge Cup's domination by one team. Wigan steamrollered their way to 8 consecutive Challenge Cup triumphs, stretching over two decades, from 1988 through to 1995. Their supremacy was finally ended by St Helens who beat Bradford Bulls in two consecutive finals.

Here is a brief timeline of major events in the history of the Rugby League Challenge Cup.

1896: 56 clubs entered the first rugby league Challenge Cup competition, which was won by Batley. They defeated St Helens in front of a crowd of nearly 14,500.

1910: The Challenge Cup final had to replayed after Leeds and Hull drew 7-7 and the replay was won by Leeds 26-12. This was the fourth final in a row that Hull had lost.

1927: The Challenge Cup final was moved to Wembley Stadium with Wigan beating Dewsbury 13-2.

1943: For a three year period beginning in 1943, the Challenge Cup final wasn't played at Wembley. It became a two-legged final, with the aggregate score to decide the winner.

1946: The Lance Todd Trophy was introduced and awarded to the man of the match at the Cup Final. The award's winner is chosen by members of the Rugby Leagues Writers Association. The Challenge Cup final also returned to Wembley this year and the two-legged format was abolished. Wakefield Trinity beat Wigan by 13-12.

1958: Attendances consistently reached over 80,000 proving the success of the competition, despite the final being held in the South of England. Challenge Cup finals were now attracting not only fans of teams participating in the final, but rugby league fans in general.

1974: Widnes appeared in six of the next seven Challenge Cup finals, winning three and losing three, including losing in a replay in 1982 to Hull 18-9.

1985: Wigan's dominance of the game began; they beat Hull 28-24.

1988: Wigan went into overdrive and this year was the first of a record eight consecutive Challenge Cup wins for the club.

1999: With Wembley being demolished, the Challenge Cup final moved to Murrayfield. It was played at Twickenham the following year, but returned to Murrayfield in 2001.

2003: Bradford Bulls won the first final to be held at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, over-turning Leeds Rhinos 22-20.

2005: Hull won the trophy after a 23-year wait, beating Leeds Rhinos 25-24.

If you are new to betting and want to place a bet on the Rugby League Powergen Cup be sure to check out our Rugby League - How to Bet section for some betting hints and tips.

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