York Valkyrie 12 - 32 Wigan Warriors: Match Report

York Valkyrie’s fight fell short at the LNER Community Stadium as they were condemned to a 12 - 32 defeat by Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

The match started as a tense, error-heavy battle with both sides struggling to complete their sets. Wigan broke the deadlock out wide after eight minutes to open the scoring, and they quickly followed it up with a second try in the corner to put York on the back foot at 0 - 10.

Just before the half-hour mark a penalty gave the Valkyrie great field position, but Megan Pakulis was stopped inches short of the line on a powerful drive.

Wigan capitalised on the turnover immediately, breaking through the line to score a third try before a late York offside penalty gave another score right on the halftime whistle, leaving the Valkyrie trailing 0 - 20 at the break.

Constant pressure in the second half down the right edge finally paid off when Izzy Bibby darted out of dummy-half to score under the posts, with Ellie Williamson adding the conversion.

York refused to back down and crossed again with ten minutes left on the clock. Rhiannion Marshall showed great strength to twist through a heavy tackle and score from close range, with Williamson safely adding the extras to pull the deficit back.

A dramatic comeback wasn't to be, as Wigan hit back with a late try in the dying minutes to seal a 32-12 victory.

York Valkyrie

Starting 13: Monique Donovan, Emma Kershaw, Adaoha Akwiwu, Petra Woods, Eboni Partington, Sade Rihari, Ellie Williamson, Jas Bell, Izzy Bibby, Megan Pakulis, Tamzin Renouf, Liv Wood, Sinead Peach

Subs: Rhiannion Marshall, Agnes Wood, Izzy Brennan, Tara Moxon

Tries: Izzy Bibby (52), Rhiannion Marshall (70)

Goals: Ellie Williamson (2/2)  

Wigan Warriors

Starting 13: Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Beri Salihi, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Isabel Rowe, Mary Coleman, Remi Wilton, Bethan Dainton, Eva Hunter, Ruby Hunter, Megan Williams

Subs: Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Kelsey Gentles, Lucie Sams

Tries: Eva Hunter (6, 27), Ellise Derbyshire (11), Lucie Sams (37), Grace Banks (66, 78)

Goals: Isabel Rowe (4/6)

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