Leeds Rhinos Women 30 York Valkyrie 14

By Sam Brocksom

A Lucy Murray hat-trick helped Leeds Rhinos to a dominant victory over York Valkyrie, and will now head into the playoffs full of momentum.

After victories for both sides last week, changes were made to both sides with Lisa Parker and Liv Wood returning to the starting lineup for York and Ella Donnelly returning for the Rhinos.

It took just four minutes for the deadlock to break, with the Rhinos starting quickly. Caitlin Beevers almost crossed on her first Headingley appearance in over a year, but was called short. The ball went to Mel Howard from the ruck, who kicked into the in-goal. It was not dealt with by York and Ruby Walker was there to touch down before the ball went dead. Howard added the conversion.

Back to back penalties for York gave them their first chance shortly after, but couldn’t convert the opportunity as they dropped the ball close to the Leeds line.

Shortly after the 20 minute mark, Shannon Brown added her sixth of the season, crashing over from close range. The back rower received a pass from Walker to double Leeds’ advantage.

On the opposite flank, Leeds managed to score in similar fashion. This time Howard was the creator, putting over England international Lucy Murray for her thirteenth of the campaign. Howard’s conversion would be the final points of the half, as Leeds took a healthy 18-0 lead into the break, and leaving Valkyrie searching for answers.

York came out of the break firing, as they tested the Leeds defence for the first time in the contest. Former Rhinos Zoe Hornby and Rhiannon Marshall both looked to power over from close range, but were unsuccessful as they were held up over the line.

Murray’s second try came as a blow to York, who previously had the momentum. Howard again the creator, it was another bobbling kick that the Valkyrie couldn’t deal with that allowed the back rower to score.

The visitors managed to regroup and get over for a score, as Georgie Dagger, who is usually a full back but filling in at hooker, scampered over from the ruck to give York a fighting chance of a comeback. However, Marshall’s missed conversion meant it was still a 20-point lead with 25 left on the clock.

Murray’s hat-trick try sealed the victory for the Rhinos, as questionable defending from York allowed her to score her third. It seemed too easy for the 22-year-old, as she managed to slide over on the left edge with no defenders in her path. With 15 to go, Leeds led by 26.

Two consolation tries from Peace Lekuru and Savannah Andrade made the scoreline look more respectable to the visitors, but it was a professional performance from Lois Forsell’s side, who travel to Wigan Warriors next week for a place in the Grand Final.