LEEDS RHINOS 22 ST HELENS 24
AMY KNAPTON, AMT Headingley, Saturday

CONVERTING chances – and converting tries – proved the difference as St Helens did their bit in pursuit of a play-off place.

While second-placed Leeds scored five tries to the visitors’ four, Mel Howard missed four successive goal attempts, including one in the closing minutes which would have made it a draw.

In contrast, Faye Gaskin was flawless from the tee for a Saints side who better capitalised on their limited opportunities.

With their regular season now complete, St Helens move above York, who must now defeat unbeaten leaders Wigan on Sunday to make it into the top three and play in the Headingley semi-final against Leeds.

Saints had to withstand early pressure caused by a Ruby Walker break, before going in front with two tries in quick succession.

Emily Rudge opened the scoring after Zoe Harris had built momentum to move Saints into a dangerous position, charging through the Leeds defence to get herself over.

The Rhinos then produced a costly error in dangerous territory as they failed to deal with a kick and Saints capitalised through Caitlin Casey, who shaped to pass from dummy-half before spotting a gap and darting through.

Ruby Bruce got Leeds’ first try of the afternoon after throwing a dummy to create space before going over herself, and Howard added her sole conversion.

Another dummy from the influential Bruce opened up the Saints defence, but this time she unselfishly moved the ball out wide to Ebony Stead, who finished on the right wing.

Bruce remained a constant threat before the break, repeatedly finding gaps, although the team couldn’t capitalise on her offload which put them into a promising position as they trailed 12-0 at half-time.

Saints started the second half strongly and extended their advantage through Vicky Whitfield. After consultation between the officials, the try was awarded as Whitfield’s powerful charge saw her over on the last tackle.

Leeds refused to go away and came knocking again. A kick on the final tackle was sent towards the right wing, where Liv Whitehead was perfectly positioned to ground the ball.

St Helens responded as a strong attacking set put them back into dangerous territory. After earning another six tackles, they capitalised through Jodie Cunningham, with Gaskin once again converting. 

The Rhinos continued to battle and were rewarded through Evie Cousins, who made herself available on the right edge before receiving the pass and finding enough space to cross.

Then Whitehead grabbed her second try of the afternoon with three minutes remaining, however the resulting conversion was again missed, leaving Saints with their advantage intact.

GAMESTAR: Ruby Bruce transformed the Rhinos’ attack after coming on, repeatedly punishing the St Helens defence and creating opportunities with her dangerous running and unselfish play.

GAMEBREAKER: Vicky Whitfield’s 45th-minute try halted Leeds’ growing momentum, giving Saints breathing room after the Rhinos had fought their way back into the contest.

MATCHFACTS

RHINOS
1 Ruby Enright
5 Liv Whitehead
4 Evie Cousins
15 Connie Boyd
2 Ebony Stead
6 Mel Howard
7 Ruby Walker
8 Ella Donnelly
9 Keara Bennett
22 Lois Naidole
12 Lucy Murray
11 Lacey Owen
28 Bella Sykes
Subs (all used)
13 Shannon Brown
14 Ruby Bruce
21 Frankie Blakey
26 Georgia Elliston

Tries: Bruce (32), Stead (36), Whitehead (53, 77), Cousins (68)
Goals: Howard 1/5

SAINTS
31 Anna Dennis
2 Phoebe Hook
4 Amy Hardcastle
3 Rachel Woosey
25 Dani McGifford
6 Zoe Harris
7 Faye Gaskin
11 Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth
17 Caitlin Casey
16 Erin McDonald
14 Paige Travis
12 Emily Rudge
13 Jodie Cunningham
Subs (all used)
1 Rebecca Rotherham
8 Vicky Whitefield
9 Katie Mottershead
20 Alyx Bridge

Tries: Rudge (13), Casey (17), Whitfield (45), Cunningham (63)
Goals: Gaskin 4/4

SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-12, 6-12, 10-12; 10-18, 14-18, 14-24, 18-24, 22-24

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Women of the Match
Rhinos: Ruby Bruce; Saints: Faye Gaskin

Penalty count: 1-3
Half-time: 10-12
Referee: Freddie Lincoln