York Valkyrie 34-10 Huddersfield Giants: Challenge Cup Match Report

York Valkyrie are through to the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals, after beating Huddersfield Giants 34-10 at the LNER Community Stadium.

Head coach, Leon Pryce named a strong side for the game, with a debut for Monique Donovan, and a return to the club for Carrie Roberts and Lisa Parker.

A dominant first half led to a 20-0 lead at the break, in a game where they scored seven tries overall, including two from Eboni Partington.

Although Huddersfield hit back in the second half with two tries of their own, the Valkyrie’s advantage was never really challenged.

York laid the platform to dominate early the game, and Ellie Williamson went close to opening the scoring when she dummied her way through, only to be hauled down just short of the line.

The game then settled into an arm wrestle, with both sides making errors and unable to build any real pressure on the other’s line, although the Valkyrie still enjoyed the better of the territory. However, they couldn’t find that clinical finish to a set.

Eventually, their efforts did pay off, when the ball was shifted wide to Monique Donovan for a try on her debut to put the Valkyrie ahead.

Megan Pakulis extended that lead, taking a pass from Sinead Peach near the line, and Williamson added the goal.

Two quick tries then put York firmly in control. First, Lisa Parker found her way over for a try on her return to the club, before moments later, Eboni Partington went in at the corner after good hands created space. With the first of those converted by Rhiannion Marshall, York went into half time with a 20 point cushion.

A mistake from Huddersfield at the restart set York up 10 metres out from the line, only for. Mollie Iceton to intercept a pass from Williamson and race 90 metres upfield to score. Sam Hulme added the goal.

That try was still against the run of play though, with most of the game being played in the Huddersfield half of the field as York’s defence restricted the Giants.

As the Valkyrie kept pushing, another chance came. Some big tackles forced a Huddersfield knock on, and from the resulting set, Brooke Henderson crashed over at the corner.

Back to back penalties allowed Huddersfield their best pressure of the game. They tested the Valkyrie try line defence for the first time in the half, and after some big tackles, Huddersfield’s opportunity ended with a knock on.

From there, the Valkyrie went up field and scored. Partington found a way through the defence to get her second of the game.

Another good break from Donovan allowed Savannah Andrade her chance to score, taking a well timed pass. Marshall tagged on her second conversion.

As the game drew to a close, the Valkyrie’s discipline slipped a little, and Huddersfield took advantage with Iceton flying in at the corner for what was just a consolation.

The Valkyrie will now prepare to face the holders, Wigan Warriors in the semi final on Saturday 9th May.

York: Turner, Henderson, Donovan, Woods, Partington, Rihari, Williamson, Wood, Peach, Bell, Renouf, Andrade, Pakulis

Subs: (all used) Bibby, Marshall, Parker, Roberts

18th Player: Wood

Tries: Donovan (17), Pakulis (27), Parker (37), Partington (40, 66), Henderson (51), Andrade (70)

Goals: Williamson (1/2), Marshall (2/5)

Huddersfield: Brown, Barraclough, Frain, Izumi, Iceton, Gale, Hulme, Hobbs, Preston, Exley, Hutchison, Cussons, Beckett

Subs:(all used) Haley, Harrap, Whitaker, Hayward

18th Player: Schofield

Tries: Iceton (41, 79)

Goals: Hulme (1/2)

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