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 by Burke, who chased hard and scored, later confirmed by the video referee. Beth Stott missed the kick, 4-0 we led.
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.
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: 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: Sam Hulme, Lucy Murray, Danika Priim, Beth Lockwood.
Saints Team: 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: Rebecca Rotheram, Vicky Whitfield, Pip Birchall, Paige Travis,
Tries: Leah Burke (21, 57), Jodie Cunningham (40), Amy Hardcastle (59), Zoe Harris (67), Danielle Bush (73)
Conversions: Beth Stott (2 from 6)
Sin Bin: Jodie Cunningham (10)
HT: 0-10
FT: 0-28
Attendance: 4,235