York Valkyrie 26-12 Wigan Warriors: Match Report

6 hours ago

2 min read

York Valkyrie earned a place in the Betfred Women’s Super League play off semi-finals with an incredible 26-12 win over League Leaders, Wigan Warriors.

It was the first loss for Wigan in all competitions this season, and the first since York beat them in the league in August 2025.

A performance built on strong defence and good game management led to four first half tries, including two from Monique Donovan, to lead by 18 points at half time.

The defensive effort continued in the second half, making it hard for Wigan to get a foothold, as York went on to claim a memorable win.

It was Wigan who opened the scoring early in the game, despite a lively start from York.

Carys Marsh spotted a gap from acting half to break and she fed the supporting Mary Coleman to score. Rowe converted.

However, York were showing composure and soon levelled through Donovan’s first try, as she weaved her way through. Tara-Jane Stanley added the goal.

More pressure ended with Eboni Partington finding her way through to score after a scruffy kick from Stanley wasn’t dealt with, and Stanley converted again.

The momentum was firmly with York, and after Stanley was quick to pounce at marker to get the ball, Liv Wood powered her way through to touch down in the next set for another converted try.

Donovan added a second try when she followed up her own kick, and with Stanley adding a great goal from the left touchline, York had an 18 point lead to take into the break after a near flawless first half.

Stanley almost extended the lead soon after the re-start, only to miss what looked like a kickable penalty.

With the teams going set for set, it was an error under a high ball from Rowe that led to points for Wigan. Former York player, Kelsey Gentles took the ball from acting half and stretched out of the tackle to score, and Rowe converted from in front of the posts.

More pressure came from Wigan, but York continued to put the effort in defensively.

Play swung York’s way again when Megan Pakulis was held up, before a high tackle allowed Stanley to tag on another two points from a penalty, meaning Wigan would need to score three times if they were to come back.

With three minutes to go, Rowe broke clear only to be hauled down by Donovan. Williamson then intercepted to take the play back up field.

The Valkyrie managed the game out well after that, to earn their place in next week’s semi-final against Leeds.

York: Donovan, Kershaw, Woods, Lenham, Partington, Stanley, Williamson, O Wood, Peach, Pakulis, Akwiwu, Andrade, Parker

Subs: (Used) Bell, Brennan, A Wood, (not used) Bibby

18th Player: Henderson

Tries: Donovan (12, 34), Partington (16), O Wood (26)

Goals: Stanley (5/6)

Wigan: Banks, Davies, Wilson, Jones, Derbyshire, Foubister, Rowe, Coleman, Marsh, Sams, E Hunter, R Hunter, Williams

Subs: (all used): Atherton, Dainton, Salihi, Gentles

18th Player: Jones

Tries: Coleman (6), Gentles (55)

Goals: Rowe (2/2)