Leeds Rhinos – Women 6 St Helens – Women 16

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women suffered their first home defeat of the season after falling short in a 16-6 defeat to St Helens Women – Evie Cousins ​​being the only try scorer for the Rhinos.

Leeds made three changes to the team that returned to winning ways against Huddersfield last week. Ruby Enright, Caitlin Casey and Evie Cousins ​​all returned to the starting line-up, replacing Beth MacMillan, Elychia Watson and Grace Short.

The first points of the game went to the Rhinos who, following a brilliant 40-20 from Casey, were awarded a penalty after the midfielder was caught high in front of the posts. Enright added the two and Leeds led after seven minutes.

The visitors took the lead five minutes later when Tara Jones slotted over from the idle half. Saints had back-to-back sets on the Leeds line and made their pressure count. Faye Gaskin couldn’t convert the try so the score remained 4-2 after 15 minutes.

The visitors almost extended their lead if not for an interception from Sophie Robinson. The quarterback got his hands on the last pass, which gave the Saints a repeat set, but they couldn’t convert the lead.

Leeds almost scored twice before the half-time hooter, both through Evie Cousins. First, she found some space on the right sideline and managed to get the ball down, but the touch judge ruled her foot offside before grounding the ball. Then, three minutes before half-time, she took a free kick and ran the length of the pitch before being tackled by Beri Salihi two yards out. Lucy Murray tried to cross from the ruck but again some good Saints defense stopped the Rhinos. That made for a very close first half and from end to end it ended 4-2 to the visitors.

The first part of the second half remained goalless, despite attempts by both teams. The best chance came for the away side as Rebecca Rotherham almost dived over but an excellent try-saving tackle from Caitlin Beevers saw her in touch. The center then had their own chance to get their name on the scoreboard but some good defending let them up short. After an hour played, the scores remained 4-2 for the visitors.

In the last quarter of the match, both sides scored points. First, Saints extended their lead to eight points after Faye Gaskin was too strong for the Rhinos defence. She headed to the posts and her partner Zoe Harris added the conversion.

Rhinos reduced the deficit through Evie Cousins. Finally, the wing tried it after coming close several times. Leeds exploited an overlap down the right wing to make it 10-6.

The Saints would add to their victory with another try late in the game. Gaskin’s shot deflected off the liner of the post and into the path of Harris. Gaskin added the conversion to give the Saints a 16-6 win.

Attention turns to an away visit as Lois Forsell’s side take on Warrington Wolves on Sunday 14^th July.