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York Valkyrie fell to defeat despite a brave and improved performance at St.Helens in the Betfred Womenâs Championship.
A first half try from Remi Wilton, converted by Tara-Jane Stanley, closed the gap at half time to just four points after a dominant opening from Saints.
However, a tight but scoreless second half meant the Valkyrie would return home without the win.
It leaves them in fourth place in the table, four points behind St.Helens who are now two points clear at the top.Â
It was a slow start to the game for the Valkyrie and they almost conceded with less than a minute gone. Saintsâ Vicky Whitfield was deemed to have knocked on while grounding the ball.
Shortly after that, Faye Gaskin opened the scoring for Saints with a penalty after a high shot.
It didn't take much longer for the first try of the game to come. Leah Burke scored her first try of the game, showing her pace to beat York down the left to touch down. Gaskin couldnât add the extras.
The Valkyrie had no answer to St.Helensâ early dominance, and Burkeâs speed again saw her go in for a second try. No goal was added but the home side were 10-0 ahead after 16 minutes.Â
Gradually, York got into the game, and were eventually rewarded when Remi Wilton forced her way over from acting half. Tara-Jane Stanley was accurate with the conversion.Â
The try sparked something from the Valkyrie who finished the half strongly, just four points behind on the scoreboard.
The second half was a tight affair with both sides having chances to score.Â
York had a long spell of pressure but couldnât crack the Saintsâ line and in turn, some good Valkyrie play prevented their opponents from opening up a bigger lead.
It led to a nervy end to the game with York on top for the final 10 minutes, but they couldnât turn that pressure into what could have been a vital try.Â
St.Helens: Salihi, Woosey, E.Stott, McColm, Burke, Harris, Gaskin, Whitfield, Jones, Crowl, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham
Subs: N.Williams, D.Stott, Birchall, Mottershead
18th player: M.Williams
Tries: Burke (12, 15)
Goals: Gaskin (1/3)
York: Stanley, Partington, Owen, Roberts, Kershaw, Wilton, Eastwood, Sharp, Hetherington, Bell, Taylor, Andrade, Pakulis
Subs: Parker, Gentles, Wood, PommierÂ
18th player: Evie Sexton
Tries: Wilton (32)
Goals: Stanley 1/1
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