Wigan defeat Saints to lift League Leaders’ Shield

The League Leaders’ Shield in Women’s Super League was won by Wigan Warriors after St. Helens’ unbeaten start.

The Warriors were aware that Warrington’s withdrawal from the competition, and the resultant 48-0 victory, would give them the regular season crown. However, they did so after the final-round match against the Wolves, which was scheduled for next weekend.

Before the game’s opening kick-off, Wigan was a point behind Saints, and they had to come out of the woods at halftime in a nip-and-tuck situation to win.

The visitors had a chance at the Totally Wicked Stadium when Jenna Foubister headed over and converted, but Saints equalized as Katie Mottershead’s pass was slick and Faye Gaskin added the extras.

Anna Davies leveled the score from Wigan once more after Dani McGifford’s unconverted try gave Saints a 2-1 lead.

Gaskin kicked a try from Rachael Woosey’s pass, but Georgia Wilson scored in the corner to cut the Saints’ lead to 16-14 at half-time.

Grace Banks crossed for a try within the first ten minutes of Wigan’s tight and tense second half, and Rowe converted to give them the first lead since their opening try. However, Gaskin was unable to add the extras as Phoebe Hook added another excellent try.