Leeds Rhinos – Ladies 0 St Helens 22

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women are beaten in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final as they suffered a 22-0 defeat at the hands of St Helens Women.

Tries from Faye Gaskin, Phoebe Hook, Luci McColm and Chantelle Crowl handed Saints their fourth successive Challenge Cup trophy.

Lois Forsell made six changes to the team that beat Barrow last week with Ruby Enright, Caitlin Beevers, Grace Field, Shona Hoyle, Zoe Hornby and Bethan Dainton all returning.

The Rhinos started the better of the two teams but could not make a dent on the scoreboard. Ruby Enright was short from the kick-off, a pinpoint strike for Caitlin Beevers, but Leeds could only get the ball over five yards in the opening set.

Liv Whitehead managed to find her way over the line after a quarter of an hour but her attempt was ruled out for a double knock-on. Caitlin Casey’s shot was not dealt with by Beri Salihi but the winger could not clear the loose ball. Leeds got the ball back but again the chance came to nothing.

England international ace Faye Gaskin was the first to break the deadlock, as she had done in the previous meeting between the teams. The 32-year-old was too strong for the Leeds defense as she forced her way over from close range. She converted her own try to give Saints a 6-0 lead after 25 minutes.

The Rhinos defense held firm until the last minute of the half when Phoebe Hook crossed for a try in the right corner. Whitehead had a good effort trying to take it to touch, but the Saints winger was too quick. Gaskin could not convert from the touchline, leaving the half-time score 10-0 in favor of the cup holders.

Saints added their third of the afternoon just five minutes after the break. Luci McColm slipped down the left wing, but referee Aaron Moore wasn’t 100%, so he referred the decision to video referee Ben Thaler. He kicked the try and Gaskin converted – giving the Saints a 16-0 lead.

The effort of the Rhinos could not be questioned and they were great in defense for the most part, it was the attack that made them their worst enemy. It lasted until the 70s^th minute for Saints to break the Leeds line again. Chantelle Crowl headed over from close range to seal the win. Gaskin added the extras in front of the posts and a 22-0 scoreline meant a fourth consecutive Challenge Cup trophy for Matty Smith’s side.

Attention now turns to the Betfred Women’s Super League as Rhinos travel to Huddersfield Giants next Sunday 16^th June.

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