Defending champions Warrington Wolves started their English rugby league Challenge Cup defence in fine style with a thumping 48-24 victory over Featherstone on Sunday.

The Wolves, who edged out Huddersfield Giants in the Wembley final last August, made light work of Rovers in the fourth round at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Richie Myler grabbed three of the Wolves' nine tries, with ex-New Zealand Warriors forward Vinnie Anderson and David Solomona also on the scoresheet to set up a repeat fixture of last year's final with the Giants in the fifth round.

England wing Ryan Hall underlined his growing status in the game with four tries in a convincing 48-24 victory for Leeds against Hull FC.

Leeds, favourites with bookmakers to lift the trophy this year, produced a dazzling display, with ex-New Zealand full-back Brent Webb also scoring twice.

The Airlie Birds rallied after the break and Jordan Tansey got his name on the scoresheet but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.

Wigan Warriors ensured there was to be no repeat of their infamous 1998 Challenge Cup final defeat to Sheffield Eagles as they cruised to a 50-34 victory.

The Eagles upset the odds 12 years ago to lift the famous trophy against the then all-conquering Wigan outfit 12-8 at Wembley Stadium.

But a Sam Tomkins hat-trick was the highlight as the Warriors ran in nine tries against the Championship outfit at Bramall Lane.

Ex-Wests wing Pat Richards crossed for a try as well as kicking seven goals, while ex-Newcastle centre George Carmont was also amongst the scorers for Michael Maguire's troops.

A dominant first-half performance from last year's runners up Huddersfield ensured they also had an easy route into the last 16 with a 40-12 victory against Hull KR.

The Giants led 22-0 at half-time to put the tie beyond Rovers, with ex-South Sydney forward David Fa'alogo registering two tries and Jamahl Lolesi also getting on the scoresheet.

Former Canberra centre David Howell put the finishing touches to Harlequins' 23-16 victory against Super League rivals Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Quins, who sit bottom of the Super League table after a disastrous start to the campaign, finally had something to cheer as they ran in four first half tries.

Tony Clubb scored twice and Ben Jones-Bishop and Howell got one each to ensure the hosts had a 22-10 half-time lead.

Luke George brought the Wildcats back within a score but Luke Gale's drop goal sealed it.

Ex-Sydney Roosters forward Chris Flannery grabbed two of St Helens' ten tries as they ran riot 56-16 against Toulouse, while Leigh beat Limoux 32-20.

Australian Matt Orford was the star of the show in Bradford Bulls' 50-0 demolition of Dewsbury.

The ex-Manly half-back kicked five goals for the Bulls and pulled the strings for Steve McNamara's men as they ran in nine tries to book their place in the fifth round.

Former Cronulla stand-off Brett Kearney scored two tries for the Bulls while ex-Manly hooker Heath L'Estrange also chipped in with one.

Catalans Dragons made light work of Salford City Reds as they recorded a 30-8 victory in France, Championship Barrow shocked Super League outfit Castleford Tigers 34-28 and Crusaders scored ten tries in a 58-8 rout of York.

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