York Valkyrie v St.Helens: Match Preview

sharonshortle
8 hours ago
2 min read

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

York Valkyrie have a place at Wembley at stake when they face St.Helens in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday at the Totally Wicked Stadium (1.45pm)!

The two teams meet at this stage of the competition for the third consecutive year, with St.Helens progressing to the final on each of those occasions.

After a tight game in 2023 with a late Faye Gaskin drop goal seeing Saints go through to the first ever final to be held at Wembley, the Valkyrie were beaten 32-2 at this stage last year. Director of rugby, Lindsay Anfield named a patched up side after a virus affected her squad, with some players taking to the field still struggling with illness.

York gained revenge though, beating St.Helens in last season’s Grand Final winning at the Totally Wicked Stadium 18-8 to become the first team to retain the Betfred Women’s Super League title.

So far this year, the Valkyrie have conceded just one try on their way to the semi-finals. They beat Huddersfield Giants (56-0) and Featherstone Rovers (54-6) to set up a quarter final tie against Leigh Leopards, who they swept aside 52-0.

St.Helens are still to concede a point as they look to win a fifth consecutive Challenge Cup final.

They’ve beaten Warrington Wolves (102-0) and Cardiff Demons (54-0) in the group stages before overcoming London Broncos (78-0) in their quarter final tie.

After losing second-row forward, Paige Travis to the NRLW, St.Helens have recruited strongly for 2025. England internationals, Amy Hardcastle and Shona Hoyle have both returned after time at Leeds Rhinos, and they’ve been joined by impressive half back, Caitlin Casey who was also a Rhino last season.

With England captain, Jodie Cunningham and England’s most capped player, Emily Rudge still in their ranks, they still boast a formidable squad.

Valkyrie coach, Lindsay Anfield will have new signing, Zoe Hornby available and she’s expected to make her York debut in the game. However, they will be without Megan Pakulis who has moved to Australia to join Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW.

Join the Valkyrie on the quest to reach Wembley for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final!

Supporters should be advised that the club are not selling via their usual ticketing platform.

All online purchasers will have to set up a tickets.com account to access semi-final tickets.

Supporters are encouraged to sign up to tickets.com HERE to access semi-final tickets.