Challenge Cup 2013 Results: Standout Performers in Prestigious Competition

Two outstanding individual performances lit up the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, with Hull FC’s Danny Houghton and Jamie Soward of the London Broncos deservedly drawing praise.

With neither side expected to be engraved on the trophy prior to the tournament, the performances of Houghton and Soward served as a gentle reminder to the Super League’s elite teams that they are up for the fight.

Danny Houghton (Hull FC)         

Whatever Houghton had for breakfast clearly did the trick. For 80 minutes he charged into tackles, raced to start Hull attacks and continuously probed the Catalan Dragons' back line.

It was his match-winning burst through the heart of the opposition defence that released Tom Briscoe to run under the posts—a moment of brilliance that landed the visitors a semi-final spot.

Understandably, Hull’s coach Peter Gentle picked him out for individual praise in his post-match interview with the BBC. “For Houghton to put in an 80-minute performance like that in those conditions is a pretty special effort,” he said.

Houghton tops the Super League tackling charts with 882, and it can only be a matter of time before his performances are recognised with an international call-up.

Hull are in prime position to target Challenge Cup success with their Super League campaign destined for mediocrity. They can now focus on producing two more big performances to land them some unlikely silverware and bring joy to their fans.

Jamie Soward (London Broncos)

An individual moment of brilliance sparked the Broncos into life in their win over the Sheffield Eagles. Soward was the man who provided it, blasting through three tackles before accelerating clear to score the pivotal try.

He also notched a drop goal and conversion to cap an impressive night as his side ended the run of surprise package Sheffield Eagles, 29-10.

“It's massive for the club,” said Soward afterward, as reported by The Guardian. “We're disappointed league-wise but I made it my mission to come and do something special in this club and get to Wembley.”

Although Soward’s stay with the Broncos is brief—he signed in June but will be gone come the season’s end—his performance dispels some of the question marks over what he can contribute in such a time. Given the Broncos occupy the Super League’s bottom spot, any display of inspiration will be welcomed.