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!

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.

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.

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.

Match Summary

Saints Women Team: 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: Victoria Whitfield, Alice Sandham, Paige Travis, Rachael Woosey.

Tries: Zoe Harris (2), Tara Jones (48)

Conversions: Beth Stott (2 from 2)

York City Knights Ladies Team: 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: Daisy Sanderson, Olivia Whitehead, Matilda Butler, Emily Farrow.

Tries: Ashleigh Hyde (31)

Conversions: Tara Jane Stanley (0 from 1)

HT: 6-4

FT: 12-4