Leeds Rhinos 6-32 York Valkyrie: Match Report

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York Valkyrie sent a sign of intent with a comprehensive 32-6 win over Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley.

In a repeat of last year’s Grand Final, the Valkyrie outscored their play off rivals by five tries to one.

Megan Pakulis, Liv Wood and Rhiannion Marshall scored in the first half to help build a 16 point lead at the break which was never threatened. 

The win takes them level with Leeds and Wigan Warriors on 18 points in the Betfred Super League table. 

York got the first points in the first set of the game, with a penalty awarded after a high tackle on Lacey Owen. Tara Jane Stanley slotted the goal over from 30 meters out. 

Leeds almost hit back in the following set, with back to back penalties giving them great field position. However, former Valkyrie, Liv Whitehead couldn’t take the final pass and missed a chance to score in the corner. 

Penalties given away by Leeds then gave York good field position and after a good run by Savannah Andrade in the build up, Megan Pakulis took a short ball to crash in near the posts. Stanley again converted. 

A knock on from Whitehead in her own 10 metre area set the Valkyrie up again. Andrade was held short before Liv Wood managed to cross from close range. Stanley converted, and minutes later she added an extra two points with a penalty.

Leeds’ first points came from Evie Cousins, who found a gap in the defence to break clear from more than 40 metres out. Keara Bennett added the goal.

Conceding the try didn’t affect York, and with Rhiannion Marshall was playing her first game after injury, she quickly made an impact from the bench, storming over from short range. Stanley added a fifth goal of the day and York led 22-6 at the break.

After absorbing some pressure early in the second half, the Valkyrie got the first points again. On the last of the set, Lacey Owen went in after taking a long ball from Marshall. 

By now, York were playing with confidence and after a kick through from Stanley was fumbled behind the line, Savannah Andrade pounced. Stanley couldn’t add the extras for the first time in the game. 

That proved to be the final points of the afternoon as the Valkyrie got revenge for defeat at home earlier in the season. 

York: Stanley, Kershaw, Izumi, Parker, Partington, Rihari, Renouf, Wood, Hetherington, Bell, Owen, Andrade, Pakulis

Subs (all used): Brennan, Gentles, Marshall, Eastwood

18th Player: Taylor

Tries: Pakulis (9), Wood (19), Marshall (37), Owen (45), Andrade (47)

Goals: Stanley (6/7)

Leeds: Cousins, Stead, Robinson, Hardcastle, Whitehead, Butcher, Casey, Sykes, Bennett, Field, Murray. Short, Dainton

Subs (all used): Bruce, Northrop, Donnelly, Glynn

18th Player: Walker

Tries: Cousins (26)

Goals: Bennett (1/1)

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