Leeds Rhinos Women 0 St Helens 22

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women are defeated in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final as they suffered a 22-0 loss at the hands of St Helens Women.

Tries from Faye Gaskin, Phoebe Hook, Luci McColm and Chantelle Crowl handed the Saints their fourth consecutive Challenge Cup trophy.

Lois Forsell made six changes to the side that were victorious over Barrow last week with Ruby Enright, Caitlin Beevers, Grace Field, Shona Hoyle, Zoe Hornby and Bethan Dainton all returning.

The Rhinos started the better of the two sides but could not make a dent in the scoreboard. Ruby Enright went short from kick-off, a pinpoint kick for Caitlin Beevers to collect but Leeds could only hand the ball over five metres out in the opening set.

Liv Whitehead managed to find her way over the line after a quarter of an hour, but the try was ruled out for a double knock-on. Caitlin Casey’s kick was not dealt with by Beri Salihi but the winger couldn’t take in the loose ball cleanly. Leeds got the ball back, but again the chance came to nothing.

England international halfback Faye Gaskin was first to break the deadlock, as she did in the previous meeting between the sides. The 32-year-old was too powerful for the Leeds defence as she forced her way over from close range. She converted her own try to give Saints a 6-0 lead after 25 minutes.

The Rhinos defence stood firm until the final minute of the half when Phoebe Hook crossed for a try in the right corner. Whitehead made a good effort in trying to take her to touch but the Saints winger was too quick. Gaskin couldn’t convert from the touchline leaving the half time score 10-0 in favour of the cup holders.

Saints added their third of the afternoon just five minutes after the half time break. Luci McColm slid over on the left edge, but referee Aaron Moore was not 100% so he sent the decision to video referee Ben Thaler. He awarded the try, and Gaskin converted – giving Saints a 16-0 lead.

The Rhinos’ effort couldn’t be doubted, and they were great in defence for the most part, it was the attack that made them their own worst enemy. It took until the 70^th minute for Saints to break the Leeds line again. Chantelle Crowl powered her way over from close range to seal the victory. Gaskin added the extras from in front of the posts and a 22-0 scoreline meant a fourth consecutive Challenge Cup trophy for Matty Smith’s side.

Attention now turns to the Betfred Women’s Super League as the Rhinos travel to Huddersfield Giants next Sunday 16^th June.

Leeds: Enright, Whitehead, Beevers, Hardcastle, Cousins, Butcher, Casey, Field, Bennett, Northrop, Hoyle, Murray, Sykes. Subs: Robinson, Hornby, Dainton, Donnelly.