Our Saints Women matched the men's achievement by beating Leeds Rhinos 28-0 in the Betfred Women's Grand Final at Emerald Headingley Stadium to end the season unbeaten and more importantly as treble winners!
Despite an even start at the Emerald Headingley Stadium, the first talking point came in the 10th minute, as Jodie Cunningham was sin binned for preventing a quick play the ball after Saints kicked the ball dead. Our first real chance came 14 minutes in, as Leah Burke raced down the right wing, but Leeds had a number of players covering so she was pushed into touch.
The video referee was called upon in the 21st minute. A Zoe Harris kick was chased byΒ Burke, who chased hard and scored, later confirmed by the video referee. Beth Stott missed the kick, 4-0 we led.
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ππ’π¬ππ¨π«π² πππ€ππ«π¬! πSt Helens | Simply the best! πͺ#COYS pic.twitter.com/BHoRtpOb68
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 10, 2021
Jodie Cunningham then scored one of the great Grand Final tries as we entered the final minute of the half. She made a break down the left side, before stepping past the Leeds fullback and sprinting almost 40 metres to score underneath the sticks. Stott converted, as Saints carried a 10-0 lead into the break.
It was Burke who grabbed the first points of the second half as well in the 56th minute. Similarly to the first, reacting quickest to a Harris kick to score. Stott was unable to add the two, 14-0.
Amy Hardcastle then scored another special solo try. She burst through the Leeds defence down the middle, after a big play by substitute Paige Travis, before rounding fullback Beevers to score! Stott was unable to add the two, 18-0.
Harris then added to her two assists with a try of her own! She spotted a gap in the Leeds defence and went through it to score. Stott added the extra two, 24-0.
The 2021 Womenβs Super League Champions – and with it – the TREBLE WINNERS!!! π π π
Can this weekend get any better? π€©#COYS pic.twitter.com/wHcbOsdjSr
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 10, 2021
Danielle Bush then strolled in for our sixth try to add the icing on the cake, after collecting a cut-out pass from Cunningham in space on the left wing. Stott missed the extras, 28-0.
The result means Saints Women end the season unbeaten and lift all three major trophies – the Betfred Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and now the Betfred Super League title!
What a weekend it has been for the Club!
Leeds Rhinos Team:Β Caitlin Beevers, Tasha Gaines, Fran Goldthorp, Sophie Robinson, Sophie Nuttall, Hanna Butcher, Courtney Winfield-Hill, Aimee Stavley, Keara Bennett, Zoe Hornby, Chloe Kerrigan, Elle Frain, Orla McCallion.
Interchanges:Β Sam Hulme, Lucy Murray, Danika Priim, Beth Lockwood.
Saints Team:Β Rachael Woosey, Leah Burke, Carrie Roberts, Amy Hardcastle, Danielle Bush, Zoe Harris, Beth Stott, Isabelle Rudge, Tara Jones, Chantelle Crowl, Emily Rudge, Naomi Williams, Jodie Cunningham.
Interchanges:Β Rebecca Rotheram, Vicky Whitfield, Pip Birchall, Paige Travis,
Tries:Β Leah Burke (21, 57), Jodie Cunningham (40), Amy Hardcastle (59), Zoe Harris (67), Danielle Bush (73)
Conversions:Β Beth Stott (2 from 6)
Sin Bin:Β Jodie Cunningham (10)
HT:Β 0-10
FT:Β 0-28
Attendance: 4,235
