York Valkyrie 58-0 Barrow Raiders Ladies: Match Report

York Valkyrie’s winning run in the Betfred Women’s Super League continued with a comprehensive 58-0 win against Barrow Raiders Ladies at the LNER Community Stadium.

First half tries from Savannah Andrade, Lisa Parker and Emma Kershaw helped build a 16-0 lead at the break, before a dominant second half made sure there was no way back for the visitors.

Andrade and Kershaw both scored twice and Peace Lekuru got her hat-trick as York eased to win with one of their best performances of the season.

The victory was their fifth in a row, and keeps them in second place in the table.

An early chance for Andrade was ruled out for a forward pass, but it came off the back of a bright start for York, with the forwards making an impact.

The Valkyrie were camped in the Barrow half for the opening ten minutes, and it took a couple of penalties before the Raiders had possession in the York half of the field.

With the forwards finding easy yards up the middle of the pitch, York continued to have the better of the territory and they eventually got their rewards with a try from Andrade. A short pass from Tamzin Renouf allowed her to weave her way over the line. Jaz Bell added the conversion, taking over kicking duties from the absent Ellie Williamson.

Lisa Parker crossed in the corner after work from Andrade in the build up, as the York pack continued to dominate. Bell tagged on the extra two from just in from the touchline.

Lekuru and Zoe Hornby both went close before the Valkyrie shipped the ball wide for Kershaw to find space. Izzy Brennan just missed the conversion from the touchline and York led 16-0 at the break.

The Valkyrie started the second half strongly, and opened the scoring early when Zoe Hornby charged over from close range, and Brennan converted in front of the posts.

Minutes later, Lekuru crossed for her first try in York colours, and then Kershaw got her second when she stretched her arm out of the tackle to get the ball down behind the line to bring up the 30 point mark.

Andrade crossed for a second, again showing good footwork from 20 metres out after Izzy Bibby and Hornby had set up York in a dangerous position.

By now, the Valkyrie were looking dangerous on every attack, and a crisp, flowing move led to Lekuru getting her brace.

Tara Moxon scored what was their fourth try in 12 minutes after Sinead Peach was held just short, and York were looking increasingly confident with ball in hand.

Lekuru got her hat-trick as more confident ball movement allowed her to get over in the corner. Sarah Menaa had taken over kicking duties, but wasn’t able to add the extras from out wide.

Another wonderful break from Andrade allowed Evie Sexton to accelerate through a gap and race in from 25 metres out and the Valkyrie broke though the 50 point barrier. Bell tagged on the two.

Just before the hooter, work from Sexton led to Partington finding a way over to complete a good afternoon for Lindsay Anfield’s side.

York: Partington, Lekuru, Parker, Akwiwu, Kershaw, Dagger, Renouf, A Wood, Peach, Bell, Andrade, Sexton, Menaa

Subs (all used): Bibby, Brennan, Moxon, Hornby

18th Player: McDaid

Tries: Andrade (19,58), Parker (27), Kershaw (38,53), Hornby (43), Lekuru (45, 62, 74), Moxon (65), Sexton (77), Partington (80)

Goals: Bell (3/3), Brennan (2/7), Menaa (0/2)

Barrow: Capstick, Parker, Stirzaker, Hutchinson, Harley, Smith, Smillie, Clough, Lindsay, Morley, Neale, Temple, Stewart

Subs (all used): Cottier, Crawford, Thompson, Jackson

18th Player: Dobson

Tries: None

Goals: None