SAINTS WOMEN TIE WITH GIANTS IN PRE-SEASON

St. Helens Women drew 16-16 with Huddersfield in their only pre-season contest of 2024…

Six minutes in, Saints forced an error deep in the Huddersfield half. From the scrum, Saints went left and Luci McColm threw a great show and go to score to the left of the sticks. Amy Taylor converted, 0-6 Saints led.

It was the hosts who put the pressure on for most of the first 40 minutes, strong Saints defence kept them ahead until just before the break.

The Giants crossed just before the break. A penalty on the Saints line for offside gave them a repeat set, Lois Naidole crashed over from close range to reduce the deficit. Frankie Townend converted, 6-6 it was tied at the break.

Saints re-claimed the lead early in the second half. We moved forward and Zoe Harris was able to drag some defenders over the try-line with her to put us ahead again. Taylor converted, 6-12.

The deficit was then reduced again. Amelia Brown followed up her initial break by collecting Townend’s kick and span over to ground in the corner. Townend unable to convert, 10-12.

Saints extended their lead just after the hour mark. The ball was shifted from left to right, Rebecca Rotheram found Hannah Roberts who powered over from close range. Harris was unable to convert, 10-16.

Six minutes from the end, Brown had another. The Giants winger broke down their right edge, and despite Dani McGifford’s best efforts, scored in the corner. Sam Hulme converted, 16-16 the final score in West Yorkshire.

Match Summary

Huddersfield Giants Team: Amy Bennett, Amelia Brown, Ana Da Silva, Lois Naidole, Becky Grady, Frankie Townend, Sam Hulme, Paige Webster, Bethan Oates, Emma Wilkinson, Jess Harrap, Kacy Haley, Katy Fisher.

Interchanges: Megan Preston, Grace Ramsden, Beth Armstrong, Georgia Hampshaw, Lauren Waller, Allana Waller, Em Johnstone, Ellie Thompson, Chloe Fairbank.

Tries: Lois Naidole (37), Amelia Brown (56, 74)

Conversions: Frankie Townend (1 from 2), Sam Hulme (1 from 1)

Saints Team: Rebecca Rotheram, Dani McGifford, Luci McColm, Erin Stott, Phoebe Hook, Zoe Harris, Amy Taylor, Darcy Stott, Katie Mottershead, Pip Birchall, Alyx Bridge, Megan Williams, Naomi Williams.

Interchanges: Gracie Bradshaw, Emily Baggaley, Hannah Roberts, Erin McDonald, Grace Arrowsmith, Caitlin Maylor, Amelia Yates, Liv Leach, Emma Lowe, Harriet Meakin, Hollie Brussels, Sophie Mitchell.

Tries: Luci McColm (6), Zoe Harris (49), Hannah Roberts (62)

Conversions: Amy Taylor (2 from 2), Zoe Harris (0 from 1)

HT: 6-6

FT: 16-16