York Valkyrie 18 Leeds Rhinos Women 14

The Rhinos suffered their first defeat in the Super 4s after a close contest against York Valkyrie, with the Rhinos tries coming from Ebony Stead, Nicole Kennedy and Liv Whitehead.

The Rhinos took an early lead after a well worked try.  After shifting the ball out wide a brilliant overhead pass from Liv Whitehead was collected by Ebony Stead, and the winger dived over for the opening try.  Mel Howard’s conversion kick just falling short.

Valkyrie dominated possession and were rewarded when a break from Tara Jane Stanley was supported by Tamzin Renouf and the second rower stepped through the Rhinos defence to over under the posts.  Stanley adding the conversion.

Stanley then crossed for her own try on 16 minutes with some nice footwork seeing her weave her way through the Rhinos defence to cross next to the posts.  Her conversion extending her team’s lead to 12-4.

Leeds had to put in a huge defensive effort to keep the hosts from going over again. 

York Valkyrie: 23. Monique Donovan, 3. Emma Kershaw, 21 Petra Woods, Amelie Lenham, 2. Eboni Partington, 1. Tara-Jane Stanley, 7. Ellie Williamson, 8. Liv Wood, 9. Sinead Peach, 15. Megan Pakulis, 11. Tamzin Renouf, 12 Savanah Andrade, 24. Lisa Parker. Replacements: 14. Izzy Bibby, 10. Jas Bell, 18. Izzy Brennan, 19. Brooke Henderson. 18^th player: 26. Liv Turner

Leeds Rhinos Women: 1. Ruby Enright, 5. Liv Whitehead,  4. Evie Cousins, 15. Connie Boyd, 2. Ebony Stead, 6. Mel Howard, 7. Ruby Walker, 22. Lois Naidole, 9. Keara Bennett, 10. Kaiya Glynn, 27. Nicole Kennedy, 12. Lucy Murray, 13. Shannon Brown. Replacements: 14. Ruby Bruce, 20. Jess Sharp, 26. Georgia Elliston, 28. Bella Sykes. 18^th player: 18. Tally Bryer.