Leeds stayed on course for their first Challenge Cup rugby league title since 1999 when they defeated Warrington 24-16 in the semi-finals on Saturday, ensuring a trip to Wembley for the fourth time in five years.

Winger Ryan Hall grabbed two tries as Leeds led 14-0 at the interval before Chris Bridge, Stefan Ratchford and Ben Westwood all crossed for the Wolves.

However, further tries from Joel Moon and Tom Briscoe saw Leeds home and into a final date on August 23 against the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Widnes and Castleford.

“It was a very good start from us,” said Leeds coach Brian McDermott.

“We were fortunate that Warrington had a couple of challenges on our line that didn’t come off — that helped us. But the players executed our plan really well in that first period. We needed that buffer at half-time because we knew what Warrington could do.”

Warrington coach Tony Smith was left to rue a poor start by his team.

“We were 14-0 down and we only had the ball in their half a couple of times, but we looked dangerous when we did. It was the back end of the first half when we got into a position to threaten them,” said Smith.

“It was pleasing that we didn’t concede more points, but I’m disappointed we attacked like we did. We looked a bit forced at times.”