Leeds Rhinos Women 34 Wigan Warriors Women 20

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women will return to Wembley for the second year running after an exceptional 34-20 win over Wigan Warriors at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Lois Forsell made one change to the side that were victorious at York last week. Shona Hoyle misses out through injury, meaning a return to the starting line-up for Bella Sykes and Jenna Greening who come on the bench.

The Rhinos started the match incredibly well. Ruby Enright’s shot was not dealt with by Wigan and the ball went into touch. In the resulting set-piece, Leeds closed in on the Wigan line before turning the game around for Enright to capitalize on an overlap to break the deadlock within two minutes. She couldn’t convert from the rim, but a good start nonetheless.

However, Leeds’ initial lead did not last long as two minutes later Wigan captain Vicky Molyneux crashed over from close range. The second rower produced a show-and-go to fool the Leeds defence. Emma Knowles was successful with the conversion to give Wigan the lead. Knowles soon added a penalty after Leeds were penalized for stealing the ball to make it 8-4 after 20 minutes.

However, Leeds would level the scores on their next attack as England international Caitlin Beevers was too powerful from close range as she headed over. Enright’s shot hit the posts so the game was all but over after half an hour.

However, there would be more tries before the half-time hooter as Wigan capitalized on a spell of pressure. Two penalties on the Leeds line gave them the chance to score, which they did through Grace Banks. Knowles was on target again for Wigan to lead again.

Not for long though as Zoe Hornby did what she does best, defending and outjumping defenders before scoring under the sticks. Enright converted the try to tie the game once again, giving us a 14-14 halftime score.

The second half was as thrilling as the first, with many tries scored. Wigan went ahead in the second half through Jade Gregory-Haselden. The forward prop was too strong for the Leeds defense and forced his way over the line. Knowles was once again on target for what would be the Warriors’ final points of the game.

Three tries in 10 minutes from Leeds gave them total control. First up, Hanna Butcher produced a show and goes to fool the Wigan defense before setting up Ruby Enright with a pinpoint strike for the full-back to score under the posts. Minutes later Lucy Murray powered her way through the line as she has done so often this season to give Leeds a 10 point lead with 25 minutes to go.

Leeds remained in full control after their flurry of tries, but did not cross again until five minutes from time. Keara Bennett came over and reached over the line. The decision went to the video referee and the try was awarded. Enright missed the kick but it wouldn’t matter as Leeds Rhinos Women secured their place at Wembley in this year’s Challenge Cup final.

Leeds: Enright, Whitehead, Beevers, Hardcastle, Cousins, Butcher, Casey, Field, Bennett, Northrop, Murray, Sykes, Dainton. Subs: Robinson, Hornby, Greening, Donnelly.