Saints Women ended York City Knights' unbeaten run after a 12-4 victory at Crusader Park on Sunday afternoon to keep alive their hopes of re-claiming the League Leaders Shield!
π΄βͺοΈ ππΌππππ πππΌπ ππππ! π΄βͺοΈ
Head Coach @saintdek has named his side to face current League Leaders @YCKLadies this afternoon. A reminder that entry is free today at @ThattoRugby and kick off is just an hour away!#COYS pic.twitter.com/VPxzAr5Zez
— St.Helens Women (@saints1890women) July 31, 2022
Saints started the game incredibly well and took a second minute lead. Zoe Harris kicked the ball high and York were unable to deal with it, Tara Jane Stanley appeared to fumble the ball and Harris re-gathered the ball to give Saints the lead. Beth Stott converted, 6-0 we led.
25' Saints still lead York after Harris' second minute effort!
π΄βͺοΈ Saints Women 6-0 York City Knights Ladies βοΈ pic.twitter.com/2o9ejVsF8C
— St.Helens Women (@saints1890women) July 31, 2022
Saints lost both Carrie Roberts and Rebecca Rotheram midway through the first half to head knocks after they collided chasing the ball, leaving Derek Hardman just two interchanges to rotate for the rest of the game.
York replied just after the half-hour mark. The visitors kept the ball alive on the last and worked it towards their left wing, Ashleigh Hyde then stepped inside off her right foot before stretching out to score. Stanley was unable to convert, so despite a lot of York pressure following the try, Saints led the unbeaten League Leaders York 6-4 at the break.
HT' π΄βͺοΈ Saints Women 6-4 York City Knights Ladies βοΈ
Saints lead at the break in a tough encounter. Harris opened the scoring early on before Hyde responded for York!#COYS pic.twitter.com/timY3hVm0V
— St.Helens Women (@saints1890women) July 31, 2022
The final points of the game came eight minutes into the second half. After sustained pressure on the York line from the hosts we managed to get an offload away on the Knights line and that allowed Tara Jones to dive over from close range. Stott converted, 12-4.
York went close with 15 minutes remaining as they worked the ball to their right edge, but a great tackle from Leah Burke forced Bethany Lambert into touch. Saints had chances to increase their lead as the half went on, but strong defence by York kept the Red Vee out, it wasn’t to matter much though, as Saints beat York 12-4 at Crusader Park to reignite their chances of winning the League Leaders Shield.
FT' π΄βͺοΈ Saints Women 12-4 York City Knights Ladies βοΈ
What a performance! Saints remain in the League Leaders Shield hunt with a hard fought victory over York at @ThattoRugby. Tries from Harris and Jones!#COYS pic.twitter.com/bViupcBXVy
— St.Helens Women (@saints1890women) July 31, 2022
Match Summary
Saints Women Team:Β Rebecca Rotheram, Leah Burke, Carrie Roberts, Amy Hardcastle, Eboni Partington, Beth Stott, Zoe Harris, Chantelle Crowl, Tara Jones, Isabelle Rudge, Naomi Williams, Emily Rudge, Jodie Cunningham.
Interchanges:Β Victoria Whitfield, Alice Sandham, Paige Travis, Rachael Woosey.
Tries:Β Zoe Harris (2), Tara Jones (48)
Conversions:Β Beth Stott (2 from 2)
York City Knights Ladies Team:Β Tara Jane Stanley, Bethany Lambert, Tamzin Renouf, Emma Kershaw, Ashleigh Hyde, Lacey Owen, Olivia Gale, Jasmine Bell, Sinead Peach, Olivia Wood, Hollie Dodd, Savannah Andrade, Katie Langan.
Interchanges:Β Daisy Sanderson, Olivia Whitehead, Matilda Butler, Emily Farrow.
Tries:Β Ashleigh Hyde (31)
Conversions:Β Tara Jane Stanley (0 from 1)
HT:Β 6-4
FT:Β 12-4