York Valkyrie 32-10 Wigan Warriors: Match Report

York Valkyrie beat Betfred Women’s Super League leaders, Wigan Warriors 32-10 at Blaydon RUFC, in the first ever Women's Super League game to be played in the North East.

It was also the first defeat of the season for Denis Betts side, who struggled to get a foothold in the game.

Four first half tries built a 22-0 half time lead for the Valkyrie, and they dug deep in the second half to claim a memorable win.

It was revenge for a heavy defeat by Wigan on the opening day of the season.

A strong defensive show in the opening stages from the Valkyrie laid the platform for the win against a Wigan side that looked eager to move the ball around.

York’s hard work paid off with the opening try of the game. Evie Sexton was held short, before Sinead Peach spotted a gap to dive over from acting half at close range. Izzy Brennan converted.

They extended their lead through Peace Lekuru, who took a long ball from Tamzin Renouf. The winger again showed strength to get through the attempted tacklers and got the ball down. Brennan couldn’t convert from the touchline.

The Valkyrie were on top and when Rhiannion Marshall came on she made her usual impact, taking a short ball and crashing over, taking numerous defenders with her for a try she converted herself.

When Savannah Andrade pounced on a loose ball to go 40 metres for another try converted by Marshall, the Valkyrie were 22 points clear going into half time.

It was a great start to the second half, with more Valkyrie pressure leading to another try. Renouf found Lekuru out wide again, and she popped the ball back inside for Eboni Partington to score.

Wigan’s first try came from the dangerous Eva Hunter, who was released down the wing by Molly Jones, after the Valkyrie couldn’t quite wrap her up in the tackle. Izzy Rowe converted.

After an incident was put on report which left Ellie Williamson needing treatment, York continued to push. However, the Warriors were starting to look more dangerous with Jenna Foubister getting into the game and trying to create space out wide.

They came close again through Mia-Jane Atherton, but some strong try line defence repelled her.

York kept working hard in defence with attacking chances few and far between. However, that huge effort was having an effect, and with around 10 minutes to go, Wigan closed the gap through Anna Davies who collected a wide pass to score. Rowe couldn’t convert, and the Valkyrie’s lead was reduced 16 points.

However, they soon hit back through Emma Kershaw, when they moved the ball down field to put her in at the corner. Marshall landed a conversion from the touchline.

Another spell of Wigan pressure followed, with Hunter held up and Power going close, but with time running out it was too little too late and the Valkyrie claimed a valuable win.

York: Partington, Lekuru, Akwiwu, Kershaw, Dagger, Renouf, Wood, Peach, Brennan, Andrade, Sexton, Bell

Subs (all used): Williamson, Marshall, Bibby, Hornby

18th Player: Moxon

Tries: Peach (10), Lekuru (19), Marshall (29), Andrade (29), Partington (43), Kershaw (74)

Goals: Brennan (1/2), Marshall (3/4)

Wigan: Wilson, Davies, Hilton, Jones, Power, Foubister, Rowe, Coleman, Wilton, Power, Hunter, Jones, Williams

Subs (all used): Marsh, Thompson, Gregory-Haselden, Atherton

18th Player: Speakman

Tries: Hunter (47), Davies (30’)

Goals: Rowe (1/2)

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