YORK VALKYRIE 40 LEIGH LEOPARDS 0
LEX WORMALD, York St John, Sunday

MONIQUE DONOVAN and Adaoha Akwiwu scored doubles as York eased to victory.

The hosts looked threatening from the opening stages, but were initially met by a determined Leigh defence.

Storm Cobain broke through the Valkyrie line early on but was repelled, and while York quickly responded, Akwiwu was bundled into touch. 

Both teams were showing strength in their attack and defence, with neither backing off.

A strong tackle from Megan Pakulis earned York possession 40 metres from their own line and just moments later, a powerful run from Eboni Partington sent Emma Kershaw over the line for the opening try of the game. Ellie Williamson landed the first of four goals from eight attempts.

Pakulis continued to influence the game with her powerful carries and quick reactions, although the Leopards’ Charlotte Melvin made an important tackle to prevent her from extending the lead.

York then began to make a number of errors and conceded back-to-back penalties, but Leigh were unable to capitalise on the field position.

After eleven minutes, Donovan got over for her first try after quick hands and a powerful carry.

Soon after, Olivia Wood tore through the Leigh defence and found Pakulis, who went in. Williamson landed her second conversion.

A high kick from Melvin briefly relieved some pressure, but York had possession on halfway, although a knock-on let Leigh off the hook.

However try number four came when Akwiwu crossed after fending off five opponents, and it was 20-0 at the break.

York started the second half strongly and forced a drop-out as they piled pressure onto the Leigh defence.

It paid off when Donovan got her second after a scoot from dummy-half from Jas Bell set her up to crash over.

Leigh were quick to respond when Melvin drew in the York defence before being awarded a penalty. However Kershaw produced an important tackle and bundled the Leigh attack into touch.

Leigh’s defensive efforts continued to impress and a try-saving tackle from Isabelle Malyon denied Sade Rihari from adding further points.

York eventually proved too strong once again as Kershaw stormed through before offloading to Akwiwu, who duly claimed her second, with Williamson goaling.

Big hits from Bell continued to halt Leigh before York added two late tries, with one improved by Williamson.

Izzy Bibby took advantage of Leigh straying offside to race over beneath the posts, then Izzy Brennan crossed for the final try of the game.

GAMESTAR: Monique Donovan was crucial for York. Her constant big hits frustrated Leigh.

GAMEBREAKER: The constant post-contact metres from the Valkyrie’s Izzy Brennan in the second half. 

MATCHFACTS

VALKYRIE
23 Monique Donovan
3 Emma Kershaw
25 Adaoha Akwiwu
21 Petra Woods
2 Eboni Partington
6 Sade Rihari
7 Ellie Williamson
16 Agnes Wood
14 Izzy Bibby
15 Megan Pakulis
11 Tamzin Renouf
8 Liv Wood
9 Sinead Peach
Subs (all used)
4 Tara Moxon
10 Jas Bell
18 Izzy Brennan
28 Amelie Lenham

Tries: Kershaw (8), Donovan (11, 43), Pakulis (27), Akwiwu (31, 54), Bibby (76), Brennan (77)
Goals: Williamson 4/8

LEOPARDS
2 Toryn Blackwood
1 Hattie Dogus
3 Nicole Barnett
12 Charlotte Melvin
18 Isabelle Malyon
6 Rhianna Burke
7 Leah Morris
8 Eleanor Dainty
9 Kate Howard
16 Lucy Johnson
11 Emily Baggaley
19 Libby Wall
13 Storm Cobain
Subs (all used)
10 Mairead Quinn
14 Abi Gordon
17 Macy McDermott
21 Olivia Hill

SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0, 10-0, 16-0, 20-0; 24-0, 30-0, 34-0, 40-0

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Women of the Match
Valkyrie: Monique Donovan; Leopards: Charlotte Melvin

Penalty count: 4-6
Half-time: 20-0
Referee: Brandon Worsley