York Valkyrie v Leeds Rhinos - Match Preview

May 9, 2024

🤝 York RLFC Match Previews are proudly sponsored by David Lloyd York!

York Valkyrie host Leeds Rhinos in a repeat of the last two editions of the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final on Sunday afternoon (12pm).

York claimed a maiden BWSL Grand Final title last year after beating Leeds 16-6 in October at the LNER Community Stadium.

After two previous defeats in major finals, the Valkyrie sealed the women’s game’s greatest prize thanks to tries from Tamzin Renouf, Tara Jane Stanley and Lacey Owen in front of a record BWSL Grand Final crowd.

As well as completing the double of League Leaders’ Shield and BWSL Grand Final, Lindsay Anfield’s side avenged the agonising defeat they suffered at the competition’s showpiece in 2022.

Leeds lifted a second BWSL Grand Final crown after a brace from Caitlin Beevers inspired a 12-4 victory at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

The highly anticipated clash between the two sides has been made even more appealing by the unbeaten starts that both sides have made to the 2024 season.

York are unbeaten through five matches to date, having won a 20-16 thriller against thrice reigning Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup holders St Helens in round one of the BWSL before a hard-fought 28-8 triumph at Barrow Raiders last time out.

That followed thrashings of Sheffield Eagles (10-76) and Featherstone Rovers (twice, 80-6 and 70-0) to reach the Semi-Finals of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup.

Likewise, Leeds have made a blistering start to the current campaign, scoring 400 points and conceding just 28 en route to six straight victories.

Leigh Leopards (4-52), Hull KR (0-90), Huddersfield Giants (54-10) and Warrington Wolves (70-10) were dispatched to reach the last four of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup while the league season has opened with routs of Huddersfield (66-4) and Warrington (68-0).

York are in line to hand a home debut to Australian hooker Remi Wilton, who joined the Club last month and made her Valkyrie bow in last month’s win at Barrow, while Leeds could field prop Grace Field and winger Liv Whitehead, who departed the LNER Community Stadium for the AMT Headingley Stadium during the off-season.

Tickets for Sunday's double header are on sale now as York Valkyrie meet Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women's Super League (12pm) and York Knights take on Sheffield Eagles in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Finals (3pm)!

Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults, £10 for Concessions (17-to-21-year-olds and over-65s) and FREE for Under-16s. Tickets are available to purchase online HERE.

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