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York Valkyrie have made history, becoming the first team to defend the Betfred Womenâs Super League title.
A performance built on tenacious defence saw them beat League Leaders, St.Helens 18-8 at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Lacey Owen scored in the first half after Saints took an early lead, while tries from Eboni Partington and Kelsey Gentles after the break overturned a two point half time deficit.
No other team has won back to back Super League Grand Finals.
The Valkyrie almost scored early after Georgie Hetherington broke clear from 20 metres out, but she was held just short by the Saints defence.
An error from Phoebe Hook under a high Izzy Brennan kick set York up in another good position. However a poor pass meant the move ended with a knock on as the Valkyrie tried to create space out side.Â
In the end, it was Saints who opened the scoring. A long ball released Leah Burke on the wing and with Carrie Roberts beaten, Burke went in from 30 metres out. Faye Gaskin couldnât add the conversion from the touch line.Â
York hit back after Brennan put a kick up on the last tackle. Lacey Owen collected on the bounce, stepped around the defence and touched down to level the scores. Brennanâs conversion in front of the posts put York ahead.Â
As the half progresses, both sides made errors and it was another mistake from Hook under a high kick from Brennan that set York up again. However Marshall was unable to take a pass which could have seen her crash in beneath the posts.Â
A period where Saints had the better of possession and territory followed and they looked strong moving the ball out wide. Hook almost capitalised with a break down the right but the Valkyrie defence, which had been so strong in the semi final at Leeds, did its job again.Â
Just before the break, two penalties from Gaskin meant Saints went back in front and took a narrow two point lead in to half time.
York got the second half off to the ideal start.
With just three minutes gone, the Valkyrie took advantage of another Saints error under a high ball from Marshall. Hook couldnât take it, and Owen pounced to feed Partington who scored against her former club.Â
Marshall added a towering conversion from the touch line and York had a four point lead.Â
On the next set, another huge Valkyrie kick caused more problems for Saints. They defended well but momentum was with Lindsay Anfieldâs side.Â
When Kelsey Gentles fought her way through tacklers to go in beneath the posts, the try was sent up to the video referee. He ruled she had got the ball down, and Marshall converted for a 10 point lead to bring the dream of retaining the trophy a step closer.Â
Saints werenât done though, and after gradually building some pressure with consecutive sets near the line, Channy Crowl was deemed to have been held up and Yorkâs defence held out for the rest of the set.Â
Brennanâs kicks continued to cause problems for Saints and thoughts turning to game management as the clock ticked down.
With seconds remaining, the countdown began and the final whistle triggered scenes of celebration as the Valkyrie became the first team to win back to back titles.
St.Helens:Â Salihi, Hook, Stott, Woosey, Burke, Harris, Gaskin, Whitfield, Jones, Crowl, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham
Subs:Â (all used) Williams, Mottershead, Stott, Williams
18th Player: Sutherland
Tries: Burke (10)
Goals:Â Gaskin (2/3)
York:Â Hetherington, Roberts, Komaitai, Parker, Partington, Rihari, Renouf, Wood, Brennan, Bell, Owen, Andrade, Pakulis
Subs:Â (used) Marshall, Gentles (unused) Sharp, Wilton
18th Player: Stimpson
Tries:Â Owen (15), Partington (43), Gentles (55)
Goals:Â Brennan (1/2), Marshall (2/2)
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