Wigan Warriors Women 26 Leeds Rhinos Women 20

In a hard fought contest, the Rhinos just fell short against Wigan Warriors, who secured the League Leaders Shield for the second consecutive season.

The homeside made a strong start, building up at 16-0 lead after 20 minutes, but the Rhinos dug in to fight back and push the reigning champions all the way.

Leeds were without Ruby Bruce due to HIA protocol and made a switch to the starting line up with Georgia Elliston coming in at prop, Lois Naidole moving to the second row for Nicole Kennedy who started on the bench.

Wigan took five minutes to get on the scoreboard, an Anna Davies break getting the Rhinos on the frontfoot and a slick pass from Isabel Rowe found Mary Coleman who opened the scoring.

There was no let up for the Rhinos, with another score for the hosts four minutes later.  This time Molly Jones picking up the ball just in the Rhinos before stepping past her defender and racing clear.

The Warriors looked certain for another try when Eva Hunter broke away, but a brilliant effort from Evie Cousins who showed her speed to chase her down and stop the second rower short of the line.  It wasn't long though before the Warriors were in again after Leeds were penalised for a knock on after 15 minutes and Evie Sams was able to run in from behind for the third try of the game.

Coleman then added further missery when she spotted a gap in the Rhinos and the England international dived over next to the posts and Rowe converted to give her team a 20-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

Leeds dug deep and were able to find a way back into the game, firstly a bit carry from Lois Naidole got the Rhinos in good teritory before the ball was spread out wide, but Stead was just unable to control and collect the pass from Howard.  Minutes later Naidole was over though, using her strength to power over in the corner and then she crossed for a second to put the Rhinos back in the game at half time.

Wigan got an early score once again in the second half, Eva Hunter with the dummy before crossing for the try in front of the posts and Rowe once again landed the conversion.

Leeds hit back with a well worked try, the ball shifting across the Wigan try line and Liv Whitehead collecting an overhead pass and diving over in the corner.

The Rhinos kept up the pressure and a Wigan knock gave them a scrum close to the line and Shannon Brown was able to find a way over next to the posts.  Howard's conversion bringing the Rhinos within six points.

Leeds fought hard in search for the equalising try, Elliston going close as she came inches away from getting her hand to ball followihng a kick from Ruby Walker.  Wigan held on and stayed in the battle to keep the Rhinos out and come away with the win.

Rhinos Women: 1. Ruby Enright, 5. Liv Whitehead, 4. Evie Cousins, 15. Connie Boyd, 2. Ebony Stead, 6. Mel Howard 7. Ruby Walker, 26. Georgia Elliston, 9. Keara Bennett, 10. Kaiya Glynn, 12. Lucy Murray, 22. Lois Naidole, 13. Shannon Brown 

28. Bella Sykes, 17. Grace Short, 20. Jess Sharp. 27. Nicole Kennedy, 18. Tally Bryer

Rhinos Tries: Naidole (27, 32), Brown (63)

Conversions: Howard 1/2 

1. Grace Banks, 2. Anna Davies, 3. Georgia Wilson, 4. Molly Jones, 5. Ellie Derbyshire, 6. Jenna Foubister, 7. Isabel Rowe, 8. Mary Coleman, 19. Remi Wilton, 20. Lucie Sams, 11. Eva Hunter, 12. Cerys Jones, 13. Megan Williams

Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Bethan Dainton, Kelsey Gentles.

Warriors Tries: Coleman (5, 22), Jones (8), Sams (16), Hunter (43)