Leeds Rhinos 30-14 York Valkyrie: Match Report

York Valkyrie ended their regular season in the Betfred Women's Super League with a 30-14 defeat by Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley.

Three first half tries built a 18-0 lead for the home side, which proved too much for York to overcome.

Late tries from Peace Lekuru and Savannah Andrade, along with Georgie Dagger’s second half try, pulled the scoreline in a little but it was ultimately too big an ask for Lindsay Anfield’s side.

The Valkyrie still finish in third place in the table, one position above Leeds.

Leeds got an early try through Ruby Walker, who followed up a Mel Howard grubber through the line. After the Valkyrie defence failed to deal with it, Walker was first to get a hand to the ball behind the line.

Shannon Brown was next to score for Leeds, before Lucy Murray followed that with the first of her hat trick, taking a well timed pass to crash through the defence. With Mel Howard converting all three tries, the Valkyrie trailed 18 tries going into the break.

Murray added her second try early in the second half before York finally got off the mark. Georgie Dagger picked up the ball from acting half and dived over.

Murray went in for her third try after a move down the left found her in space, and with Howard adding the goals, Leeds were putting breathing space between themselves and the Valkyrie on the scoreboard.

Peace Lekuru pulled a try back for York, before Savannah Andrade crossed just before the hooter for a try converted by Izzy Brennan but they were mere consolation.

The Valkyrie now travel to St.Helens next week in the play-off semi final.

Leeds: Stead, Nuttall, Boyd, Beevers, Whitehead, Howard, Walker, Northrop, Bruce, Donnelly, Murray, Brown, Sykes

Subs: Bennett, Owen, Glynn, Sharp

18th Player: Blakey

Tries: Walker (2), Brown (22), Murray (27, 54, 63)

Goals: Howard (5/5)

York: Partington, Lekuru, Parker, Akwiwu, Kershaw, Williamson, Renouf, L.Wood, Dagger, Brennan, Andrade, Sexton, A.Wood

Subs: Marshall, Bibby, Moxon, Hornby

18th Player: Fitzpatrick

Tries: Dagger (57), Lekuru (66), Andrade (80)

Goals: Brennan (1/2), Marshall (0/1)

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