York Valkyrie 12-16 St.Helens: Match Report
- sharonshortle
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
York Valkyrie fell to a 16-12 defeat in their Betfred Women’s Super League match against St.Helens at the LNER Community Stadium.
After losing to Saints in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi final, the Valkyrie were looking to pick up the league points against them.
However a strong second half from Saints meant York were kept scoreless in the second half.
An intense start saw both sides test each other out and the first try came from the first error. A dropped high ball set Saints up 30 metres out from the York line, and it led to Dani McGifford crossing in the corner.
A knock on from the restart allowed York to hit straight back. Tamzin Renouf was held up before the Valkyrie created space for Kira Fitzpatrick to slide through the defence to score. Williamson converted to give York the lead.
The half continued in the same vein, with some good defence from both teams denying the other chances. Eventually, York cracked the Saints defence, with Emma Kershaw taking a kick to the corner from Sade Rihari to score. Williamson added another towering conversion for a 12-4 half time lead.
The second half started in much the same way, but with Saints having the better of the possession and territory. Eventually, they were able to turn it in to points when Gaskin drove hard near the line to get the ball down for a converted try.
With just two points now between the sides, Saints continued to push. Gaskin kept the ball moving to Caitlin Casey, who’s short ball saw Nom Williams score to give Saints back the lead. Gaskin’s conversion gave them a four point advantage at the hour mark.
Saints’ pressure continued into the closing stages and they twice had efforts ruled out. However, with no more points scored, Saints held on to take the win.
York: Dagger, Partington, Fitzpatrick, Moxon, Kershaw, Rihari, Williamson, Brennan, Peach, Parker, Andrade, Renouf Bell
Subs: Marshall, Bibby, Fisher, Hornby (all used)
Tries: Fitzpatrick (11), Kershaw (35)
Goals: Williamson (2/2)
St.Helens: Salihi, Hook, McColm, Hardcastle, McGifford, Harris, Gaskin, Stott, Mottershead, Crowl, Hoyle, Rudge, Casey
Subs: Cunningham, Sutherland, Williams, Woosey (all used)
18th Player: Bawden
Tries: McGifford (7), Gaskin (49), Williams (59)
Goals: Gaskin (2/3)
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