Wigan Warriors 40-6 York Valkyrie: Match Report
- sharonshortle
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
York Valkyrie began the defence of their Betfred Women’s Super League title with a 40-6 defeat by Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium.
Five first half tries from the Warriors, scored against some disappointing defence, led to a 28-0 deficit at the break.
Lindsay Anfield’s side were better in the second half only being outscored by two tries to one, but Savannah Andrade’s late try was just a consolation on a difficult evening.
Wigan had the better of the territory in the opening stages, and they eventually found a way through when Elise Derbyshire made a break through the middle and fed Molly Jones to score. Izzy Rowe converted from in front of the posts.
Further pressure followed, and after Jenna Foubister slipped through the defensive line, she was able to feed Eva Hunter to give Wigan a 10-0 lead.
Tiana Power was next to score, showing some great footwork to get past three York defenders, and Rowe converted.
With the Valkyrie struggling for possession and field position, Wigan scored again in the next set. Grace Banks displayed power and strength to hand off the defence, and with Rowe’s conversion, the Warriors were 22-0 ahead.
Tamsin Renouf got the best chance for York after half an hour, but was tackled into touch by Jones. Unfortunately shortly afterwards, Renouf was taken from the field after a tip tackle, and the incident was placed on report.
Just before the break, Emily Veivers capitalised on an awkward bounce from a Foubister kick through on the last to score. Rowe’s fourth conversion meant they led 28-0 at half time.
It was a better start to the second half for York, but it was Wigan who had the better of the early chances again. Only a knock on over the line stopped Hunter from scoring a second try.
A great try line tackle from Sade Rihari stopped Banks from scoring again, but in the next move, Shaniah Power forced her way over for the Warrior’s sixth try.
The Valkyrie stemmed the tide but with Wigan still putting pressure on, they eventually forced their way over with Banks crossing for her second of the game.
The Valkyrie avoided being nilled with a late try from Andrade. WIlliamson turned the ball back inside to Marshall, who slipped a short ball out for the second-row forward to score.
However, it was just a consolation on a night where they were second best to the Challenge Cup finalists.
Wigan: Banks, T.Power, Wilson, M.Jones, Derbyshire, Foubister, Rowe, Coleman, Wilton, Gregory-Haselden, Hunter, S.Power, Williams
Subs: Marsh, C.Jones, Veivers, Atherton
18th Player: Speakman
Tries: Jones (12), Hunter (17), T. Power (21), Banks (24,70), Veivers (40), S. Power (50),
Goals: Rowe (6/7)
York: Dagger, Partington, Renouf, Rampton, Kershaw, Rihari, Williamson, Wood, Peach. Hornby, Andrade, Parker, Bell
Subs: Marshall, Stimpson, Moxon, Brennan
18th Player: Jess Sharp
Tries: Andrade (76)
Goals: Williamson (1/1)
