LEON PRYCE said he “couldn’t be more proud” of York Valkyrie after reaching the Women’s Super League Grand Final in his first season as coach.
York looked set to miss out on the play-offs altogether earlier in the season, but won three of their last four to squeeze into third ahead of St Helens.
They then nilled Leeds Rhinos in Friday’s semi-final to book a Grand Final date with Wigan Warriors next Sunday at The Brick Community Stadium.
After the 12-0 victory at AMT Headingley, Pryce said: “No one gave us a chance.
“People said this would be another Saints-Leeds game. The BBC even said that Saints were already through. Now we’ve got the respect we deserve.
“To come here and win in a semi-final, and to keep them to zero, shows a lot.
“It was never going to be a game for going wide and being skilful – it was going to be about grit, toughness, determination. They had that, and against all odds we’ve made it.
“I couldn’t be more proud. I’ve been proud of them all season, but these last few weeks they’ve turned a corner.
“Defence wins championships, everybody knows that. Mitch Sargent, our assistant, puts a lot of work in, he’s full-time with the club and the amount of detailed coaching he does is unbelievable. The girls really take on board what we say.”
York beat Wigan in the final round of the regular season – the first side to do that all season – but Pryce added: “We’re not taking anything for granted.
“We know they have been the best team all year, the most consistent team all year, they’ve played the best rugby and they’re the best coached. I understand that.
“Let’s just enjoy tonight, because it’s an unbelievable achievement to keep Leeds to zero on their home ground in a semi-final.”