Leeds win at Huddersfield to return to the top

Women’s Super League

Huddersfield Giants (4) 4

Try: Brown

Leeds Rhinos (26) 42

Try: Northrop 2, Donnelly, Hardcastle, Hornby, Robinson, Watson, Hoyle Objectives: Bennett 4, butcher

Leeds Rhinos bounced back from their Challenge Cup final defeat to St Helens by scoring eight tries at Huddersfield to return to the top of the Women’s Super League.

Rhinos needed a win of 29 points or more to reclaim top spot from Wigan.

But after beating Huddersfield 66-4 in their season opener at Headingley on April 19, they had every reason to be confident.

They were on the road with three tries in the first 17 minutes and early scores from Ella Donnelly and Amy Hardcastle in the corner were followed by a third from Zoe Hornby.

Izzy Northrop got the first of two tries against her old club on 27 minutes and although Amelia Brown got one back, Sophie Robinson ran in Rhinos’ fifth try, boosted by Keara Bennett’s third successful kick in five .

Two tries in as many second-half minutes from Elychia Watson and Shona Hoyle put Leeds clear enough to ensure they finish the day on top – and Northrop’s second try, converted by Hanna Butcher , put them out of sight.

Huddersfield remain second from bottom after winning once in six games this season against useless club Featherstone Rovers two weeks ago.

Leeds are not back in action now until July 6 when they host a replay of that Wembley Cup final defeat against Saints.