York Valkyrie 24-16 Leeds Rhinos: Match Report

York Valkyrie got their first win of the Betfred Women’s Super League season with a 24-16 win over Leeds Rhinos at the LNER Community Stadium.

Both teams were looking for their first league victory of the season, after the Valkyrie’s defeat at Wigan and Leeds’ draw at St.Helens in the opening round, and it was in doubt until the last five minutes as to which way this one would go.

A strong York start saw them build an 8-0 lead only for Leeds to hit back in the second half and take the lead with half an hour to go.

However, Lindsay Anfield’s side stuck to the task to get off the mark for 2025.

They opened the scoring after a 40/20 from Ellie Williamson set them up for the first chance of the game. From the resulting set, Tara Moxon went in against her former club, after taking a long pass from Sade Rihari.

An error from Leeds gave the Valkyrie more good field position, and they took advantage again. This time, Georgie Dagger found Eboni Partington who squeezed in at the corner for an 8-0 lead.

A spell of errors from both sides followed with opportunities few and far between. Defences worked hard to repel any attacks, and the scoreboard wasn’t troubled again before the break.

Leeds started the second half the strongest, with Frankie Blakey being held up over the line. Eventually, they broke the York defence with Izzy Northrop weaving her way through to score. Mel Howard’s conversion reduced the deficit to two points.

A York handling error set Leeds up again and when Lucy Murray found Jenna Greening with space near the line, the Rhinos took the lead for the first time.

However, York responded with a try from former Rhino, Zoe Hornby. After getting to within 20 metres of the Leeds line, a set restart on the last tackle allowed York to drive further forward and Hornby took a short ball to score. Williamson got her first conversion in windy conditions, and the Valkyrie were back to being four in front.

That lead was short lived, as a mistake from the restart allowed Leeds field position. They immediately took the lead again when Blakey scooted beneath the posts for a converted try despite defenders around her.

A short kick off saw the Valkyrie immediately have a chance to hit back. They moved the ball left, but Moxon couldn’t take the final pass for what could have been another York try.

On the next attack, York made sure. Good vision from Sade Rihari saw her send a looping pass to Emma Kershaw to score in the corner. Marshall took over kicking duties, only to see the wind curl her conversion effort away from the upright.

More Leeds pressure followed, including back to back sets on the York line. However, a set restart and then a penalty saw York get back in good position, and Moxon capitalised with a mazy run to score her second of the match. Williamson’s goal meant York were eight points ahead with four minutes remaining.

Leeds weren’t ready to concede the game though and with a minute remaining they still put pressure on the York line. However, the Valkyrie held on for their first two points of the new season.

York: Dagger, Partington, Fitzpatrick, Moxon, Kershaw, Rihari, Williamson, Wood, Peach, Hornby, Andrade, Parker, Bell

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

18th Player: Fisher

Tries: Moxon (8, 75), Partington (13), Hornby (56), Kershaw (65)

Goals: Williamson (2/4), Marshall (0/1)

Leeds: Stead, Whitehead, Greening, Cousins, Bryer, Howard, Bennett, Northrop, Bruce, Donnelly, Murray, Dainton, Glynn

Subs: Nuttall, Field, Frain, Blakey (all used)

Tries: Northrop (46), Greening (50), Blakey (59)

Goals: Howard (2/3)

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