Match Report | Leeds Rhinos 14 Wigan Warriors 44

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos exit the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup at the Semi-Final stage after a disappointing 14-44 defeat to Wigan Warriors Women.

The Rhinos made one change to the squad that faced Huddersfield Giants last time out with Tally Bryer replacing Sophie Nuttall on the right wing.

Three second half tries would not be enough to mount a comeback after the Rhinos were kept scoreless in the first half.

The Warriors opened the scoring with just five minutes on the clock. After shifting the ball right, England international Anna Davies cut back inside and found a gap to score. Jenna Foubister couldn’t add the difficult conversion.

Davies added her second of the afternoon minutes later. After a Leeds chance, Wigan marched up the field in the following set and managed to keep the ball alive and found the winger to score. Foubister missed the conversion and after 12 minutes the Rhinos led by eight.

Leeds were looking to find that attacking spark but it just wouldn’t click. Ruby Walker tried to set Ebony Stead away but the pass went to ground, whilst Stead played a long ball to Bryer, but it was deemed forward.

Wigan would get their third try after 25 minutes. Centre Georgia Wilson used Davies’ tactic of cutting inside and it would again work for Dennis Betts’ side. Willson found space 20 metres out before going the distance to score. Foubister added her first conversion to make the score 14-0.

Three more tries came for the Warriors before the half time whistle. Grace Banks, Megan Williams and Emily Vievers all put their name on the scoresheet. The latter received a short ball 40 metres out and breaking the tackle before beating full back Stead to score. Foubister added two of the three conversions meaning at the break the Warriors led by 30.

Leeds’ afternoon went from bad to worse as just minutes into the second half young halfback Ruby Walker had to be helped from field. The youngster has made six consecutive starts for the Rhinos after breaking into the first team last season.

Wigan’s first half dominance continued as tries from Molly Jones and a second for Banks gave the Warriors a 38-0 lead.

The Rhinos would get on the scoreboard, but with only twenty minutes left, any chance of a comeback seemed slim.

First, Keara Bennett went down the short side from close range and allowed Jenna Greening to power her way over.

Next, Tally Bryer added her second try of the campaign after the ball was spread left to right. Bryer received the ball and cut back inside and escaped the shifting defence. Mel Howard couldn’t either conversion leaving the scores 8-38.

Any chance of a Leeds comeback would be halted as Wigan’s final try went to youngster Isabel Rowe. The halfback found space on the right edge and dived over. Foubister added the final kick at goal.

Leeds would go over for a consolation try on the final play of the game. Bennett made a line break and Mel Howard was in support, before racing 30 metres to score. Bennett added the conversion, resulting in the final score being 14-44 in what was a disappointing day for Lois Forsell’s side.