York Valkyrie continued their perfect start to the Betfred Women’s Super League season with a 26-6 victory over St Helens at the LNER Community Stadium.
Tamzin Renouf bagged a second-half brace while Hollie-Mae Dodd earned the Geoff Pryce Player of the Match award ahead of her blockbuster move to Australia.
York, who beat Leeds Rhinos 34-12 in their season opener last weekend, were forced to come from behind following a strong start from St Helens.
The visitors edged ahead courtesy of Leah Burke who crossed for the opening try in the ninth minute. Matty Smith’s side were able to work the ball out wide from the scrum, with Rebecca Rotherham releasing Burke down the left side.
York gradually worked their way back into the contest and centre Emma Kershaw powered over the whitewash in the 18th minute.
The centre showed great footwork as she evaded two St Helens players before exploiting a gap and putting four points on the board.
With 25 minutes on the clock, York took the lead for the first time in the match thanks to an impressive try from Dodd.
The NRLW-bound star picked up possession 10 metres out and skipped her way past the Saints defence. Tara Jane Stanley converted to make it 10-6.
In the second half, both teams showed attacking intent, though the fans were forced to wait until the 60th minute before seeing the next try. Fortunately for the Valkyrie faithful, it was Renouf who powered over.
Dodd released her team-mate with a short pass, allowing Renouf to burst through a gap in the St Helens defence.
Just a few minutes later, Rhiannion Marshall extended the lead. The loose forward produced a deadly show-and-go before crashing under the sticks. Stanley’s third and final conversion made it 22-6.
York kept on pushing late into the game and scored one further try, just two minutes before the final hooter.
Renouf was the try-scorer as she produced her own dummy before sprinting 40 metres down the right flank and touching down over the whitewash.
Stanley’s kick sailed wide, though it was York who celebrated a memorable 26-6 victory.
York: Stanley, Hendry, Renouf, Kershaw, Hyde, Dodd, Gale, Wood, Peach, Staveley, Owen, Andrade, Staveley, Marshall
Subs: Taylor, Bell, Field, Hetherington
18th Player: Smith
Tries: Kershaw (19'), Dodd (25'), Renouf (60', 78'), Marshall (66')
Goals: Stanley (3/5)
St Helens: Rotherham, McGifford, Partington, Williams, Burke, Harris, Taylor, Hoyle, Jones, Crowl, Bridge, Rudge, Cunningham
Subs: Whitfield, Mottershead, Scott, Birchall
18th Player: Williams
Tries: Burke (9')
Goals: Taylor (1/1)
Geoff Pryce Player of the Match: Hollie-Mae Dodd
Referee: Elliot Burrow
