York Valkyrie v St Helens - Match Preview

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York Valkyrie will be seeking to become the first women’s rugby league side to book their place at Wembley Stadium when they face reigning Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup holders St Helens in the competition’s Semi-Finals at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday (11.45am).

For the first time in the competition’s history, the country’s national stadium, Wembley, will host the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 12th August (12pm).

Just six years on from the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final being staged at the grounds of community clubs, the showpiece will now be held at the world-famous 90,000-seater stadium.

To be part of such a prestigious event, York must first overcome last year’s Cup winners St Helens in a battle between the Betfred Women’s Super League’s top two.

St Helens have won the last two Betfred Women’s Challenge Cups, defeating Leeds Rhinos 18-8 at Elland Road a little over 12 months ago and beating York 34-6 at the Leigh Sports Village back in 2021.

Fast-forward to present and Lindsay Anfield’s side are a much different proposition, having not lost a 13-a-side contest through 10 played so far in 2023.

The league campaign started with statement wins over title rivals Leeds Rhinos (12-34) and St Helens (26-6) before Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Group Three successes over Barrow Raiders (4-44), Hull KR (122-0) and Leigh Leopards (0-54).

A return to BWSL action saw a 44-4 home win over Warrington Wolves before the Club’s Cup Semi-Final berth was captured thanks to a 54-0 thrashing of Cardiff Demons.

The unbeaten run in the BWSL has continued thanks to wins over Wigan Warriors (40-6) and Huddersfield Giants (8-48) before drawing 12-12 with reigning champions Leeds Rhinos last time out.

Saints sit second in the BWSL, having won all of their eight matches since losing to York at the LNER Community Stadium back in April.

A 38-18 success at Headingley against Leeds was the Red and Whites’ stand-out result while routs of London Broncos (0-76), Castleford Tigers (0-106) and Huddersfield Giants (66-0) have shown their capabilities in attack.

York Valkyrie will be hoping to book their place in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium when they face St Helens at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday (11.45am). The Semi-Final against St Helens forms part of a double header in Warrington alongside the Betfred Men's Challenge Cup Semi-Final between Leigh Leopards and St Helens (2.30pm), with tickets ensuring access to both matches. Standing tickets are available from £20 for Adults, £15 for Concessions and £10 for Under-16s. Seating tickets are priced at £30 for Adults, £22 for Concessions and £15 for Under-16s. Tickets can be purchased from the Club Shop (10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday) or over the phone on 01904 670880. York RLFC will also be running a Fans Bus to Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium. Fans Bus tickets are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Under-16s when purchasing tickets for both the Valkyrie Semi-Final and York Knights' AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Final against Batley Bulldogs on Saturday 23rd July (12pm) at the LNER Community Stadium through the Club Shop (10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday) or by calling 01904 670880. For those who do not wish to purchase as part of this package, Fans Bus Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults and £10 for Under-16s and can be bought from the Club Shop (10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday) or over the phone at 01904 670880. Collection times for the Fans Bus on Saturday 22nd July are 8.30am from the North Stand Lay-by at the LNER Community Stadium and 8.50am from Bootham Tavern. #RiseUp | #WeAreYork