ZOE HARRIS has challenged her teammates to keep their hands on the Challenge Cup trophy as St Helens seek a fifth straight Cup victory – and third at the iconic Wembley Stadium – when they take on Wigan Warriors next month.
Halfback Harris kicked the goal which eventually killed off a York Valkyrie side which refused to be broken down in Sunday’s semi-final, having absorbed lots of Saints pressure.
York’s big defensive efforts eventually took their toll as Harris slotted over the penalty minutes before the hooter to wrap up the win and set up a tasty derby final on June 7.
“We have spoken a lot about defending our crown,” said the 31-year-old.
“We see that trophy as ours – we don’t want it to go anywhere. We are going to defend that trophy like our lives depend on it.
“It will be a great occasion, and it will be good to play somebody else and face a bit more of a different challenge.
“It’s a derby and I am really looking forward to it. They have recruited well and have worked hard over the last couple of years and they have really come on.
“It is an honour to get to Wembley and we don’t take it lightly. Coming up against York, we knew it wouldn’t be an easy task.
“We came up against a really good side, so to be able to beat them and get back to Wembley is amazing.”
England international Harris, a mainstay and highly experienced member of this Saints side, felt a togetherness on show which helped get the better of hard-working York.
“We dig deep and work hard for each other,” she said.
“We love getting off our line and driving our opponent back – it is something we have worked on in training and it was great to be able to implement it in the game.”
