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York Valkyrie begin the defence of their Betfred Women’s Super League title against current Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup holders St Helens at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (12pm).
York claimed their maiden Grand Final last season after beating Leeds Rhinos 16-6 at the LNER Community Stadium, having gone unbeaten through the entire regular season, claiming a record second successive League Leaders’ Shield en route.
The Valkyrie bid to capture a third straight League Leaders’ Shield and to retain the Grand Final - both feats never previously achieved in the Betfred Women’s Super League - begins with arguably their toughest possible test.
Lindsay Anfield’s side take on a St Helens side packed with England internationals and currently in possession of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, which they won for a third year in a row in 2023.
Saints beat twice Cup winners Leeds 22-8 at Wembley Stadium, having previously overcome the Rhinos 18-8 at Elland Road in the 2022 showpiece and beaten York 34-6 in the 2021 final at the Leigh Sports Village.
St Helens, who are coached by former England international half-back Matty Smith, are the last side to have beaten York in the Betfred Women’s Super League or indeed in any competitive outing.
A last-minute Faye Gaskin drop-goal saw Saints dramatically edge past York 17-16 in July’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Finals last year.
The Merseyside club were also the last side to inflict a league defeat upon the Valkyrie more than 20 months ago, coming out on top 12-4 at Crusader Park.
Both sides have opened their 2024 seasons with comfortable victories in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup to set up a Semi-Final meeting between the pair at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday 18th May (11.15am).
St Helens have thrashed London Broncos (64-0), Warrington Wolves (6-58) and Huddersfield Giants (74-0) to make the last four while York have beaten Sheffield Eagles (10-74) and Featherstone Rovers twice (80-6 and 70-0) to progress to the Semi-Finals.
To purchase your tickets for Sunday’s double header as York Valkyrie face St Helens (12pm) and York Knights take on Bradford Bulls (3pm), please click HERE.
Alternatively, you can call 01904 950950 or head to the York SMC Ticket Office (click HERE for opening times).
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