St.Helens 10-6 York Valkyrie: Challenge Cup Semi-Final Match Report

York Valkyrie missed out on a place in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, after a narrow 10-6 semi-final defeat by St.Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

With just one try each, it was the goal kicking which proved to be the difference on the scoreboard, in a game that was tight and at times, characterised by errors.

A try from Rhiannion Marshall got the Valkyrie to within touching distance of Saints to set up a tense final 15 minutes.

However a further penalty goal from Zoe Harris with five minutes remaining allowed the cup holders to see the game out and secure a place in the final at Wembley.

Try scoring chances were few and far between in the first half, with Amy Hardcastle getting the best opportunity to put Saints in front. Only an incredible try saving tackle from Ellie Williamson, which dislodged the ball, prevented the centre from scoring.

St.Helens had the better of the territory, but strong try line defence from York meant the deadlock couldn’t be broken.

Eventually, a penalty from Faye Gaskin given for a high tackle edge Saints in front.

She couldn’t add a second penalty just before half time after another high tackle, meaning there were just two points between the sides at the break.

York started the second half brightly and with a couple of errors from St.Helens managed to set themselves up in good position.

Marshall had the chance to level things with a penalty when Saints were deemed offside, but her attempt hit the post.

Finally, the first try of the game came, when Shona Hoyle charged at the line from close range and got the ball down despite the defenders around her. Gaskin converted from out wide and put the holders eight points ahead.

However, York weren’t out of the game, and after handling mistakes from Saints, they eventually took advantage. Marshall took the ball from acting half and sold a dummy to open up a gap for her to score. Williamson converted to put the Valkyrie back to within two points.

The experience of the St.Helens team started to tell, and despite the Valkyrie getting good territory, they managed the game well, with Harris’ late penalty enough to take them through.

St.Helens: Salihi, Hook, E.Stott, Hardcastle, McGifford, Harris, Gaskin, D.Stott, Casey, Crowl, Hoyle, Rudge, Cunningham

Subs: Mottershead, Whitfield, Sutherland, McColm (all used)

18th Player: Bridge

Tries: Hoyle (47)

Goals: Gaskin (2/3), Harris (1/1)

York: Dagger, Partington, Renouf, Rampton, Kershaw, Rihari, Williamson, Brennan, Peach, Parker, Andrade, Wood, Bell

Subs: Marshall, Bibby, Hornby (used) Stimpson (not used)

18th Player: Sharp

Tries: Marshall (55)

Goals: Williamson (1/1)

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