Women’s Super League round-up: York raise title hopes

With a dazzling 32-10 victory over second-placed Wigan Warriors at Blaydon Rugby Club, York Valkyrie gave the team a heads-up that they would not easily lose their Women’s Super League crown.

With three games left, Valkyrie closes the gap on table-topping St Helens to two points in the League Leaders’ Shield, with Wigan one point ahead of York.

The 2023 and 2024 Grand Final champions have already set their sights on a new season finale on October 5th, which suggests the timing of the six-try success suggests that they are about to make a comeback.

Leigh Leopards defeated the Leeds Rhinos 40-10 at Leigh Sports Village to maintain their dominance in the quest for a play-off semi-final spot.

Few could have predicted a one-sided showdown between York and Newcastle as a blockbuster showdown gave Wigan the chance to reclaim the top spot from St Helens.

The visitors defeated York 40-6 in the reverse fixture back in May to enter this contest, going into the matchup with nine victories and a draw in hand.

However, a one-way victory in the first half was never in doubt as Peace Lekuru, Rhiannon Marshall, and Savannah Andrade all scored in the second half to give York a 22-0 lead.

After the break, Eboni Partington put it back to 26-0 before Wigan made a mini-fightback with tries from Eva Hunter and Anna Davies to bring it back to 26-10. However, the effort quickly lost steam.

The cherry on top is Emma Kershaw’s sixth try of the afternoon, which came with six more.

Leigh Leopards, Rhinos, and Leigh Leopards both had strong displays. The hosts won the game pretty much done and tied at 22-4 at the halfway point thanks to efforts from Tally Bryer, Lucy Murray, Ebony Stead, and Ruby Bruce.