York Valkyrie v Leeds Rhinos: Match Preview

sharonshortle
May 22
2 min read

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

York Valkyrie are looking for their first league points of the season when they face Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Super League at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (3pm)!

The game is part of a double header, with York Valkyrie Under 19s taking on their counterparts from Leeds Rhinos at 12.30pm.

It’s the first time the teams have met since the play off semi-final last year at Headingley, when the Valkyrie ran out 12-10 winners with tries from Savannah Andrade and Kelsey Gentles and two Rhiannion Marshall goals. The Valkyrie went on to beat St.Helens in the Grand Final to claim back to back titles.

After being knocked out of this season’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup by St.Helens, the Valkyrie opened their season last week with a disappointing 40-6 defeat at early pacesetters, Wigan Warriors.

Lois Forsell’s Leeds started their league campaign with a hard fought 20-20 draw at St.Helens, in a good response to their semi-final defeat by Wigan.

It was honours even between the teams last year in the league, with Leeds recording a 16-10 win at the LNER Community Stadium in May, before York ran out 32-6 winners at Headingley.

Both have gone through changes since that encounter, with Valkyrie Director of Rugby, Lindsay Anfield bringing in Ellie Williamson from Australia, and former Rhino, Zoe Hornby returning to the game. If selected, she’ll be making her home debut against her former club. Tara Moxon could also find herself coming up against former team mates if she’s included in the York team.

The Rhinos lost experience in their squad, with Amy Hardcastle and Shona Hoyle returning to St.Helens, and talented young half back Caitlin Casey making the move with them. Captain, Hannah Butcher retired, and is now part of their back room staff.

Coming in, half-back Mel Howard brings experience from the NRLW, while the Rhinos are also reaping the rewards of a good academy set up. Six players have stepped up to the senior squad this year, including Ebony Stead and Ruby Walker, who have both impressed so far this year.

They also have forward, Shannon Lacey back after a lengthy injury absence, and former Valkyrie, Grace Field returned to the side last week after injury.

After back to back defeats, York will be keen to get back on track with a win against another one of last season’s top four teams.

Tickets are on sale NOW for York Valkyrie's first home game of the Betfred Women's Super League season!

It's part of a bumper afternoon of rugby league, with York Valkyrie Under 19s taking on Leeds Rhinos Under 19s at 12.30pm!

Tickets are priced at £5 for Adults and Concessions (16 to 21-year-olds and over 65s) and FREE for Under 16s!

To purchase your tickets online please click HERE! Alternatively you can head to the York SMC Ticket Office or call 01904 950950!

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