Leeds Rhinos Women 12 Wigan Warriors Women 50

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women produced a disappointing display in defeat to Wigan Warriors, with Ruby Bruce and Connie Boyd crossing for the side's only tries at AMT Headingley.

The Warriors made one change from last week’s win over the Rhinos, with Ruby Hunter coming in as a straight swap for Cerys Jones. Leeds welcomed back both Ruby Bruce and Lacey Owen, with Nicole Kennedy and Grace Short dropping out.

Just like last week, it was Wigan who raced into an early lead, however, unlike last week, Leeds had no response to the onslaught. An error from Bella Sykes, followed by a penalty conceded, gave Wigan the first chance, and it was quickly pounced on after some route one rugby saw Megan Williams crash over for her first of the afternoon.

The returning Hunter added Wigan’s second, before Mary Coleman added a score, taking her to three tries in two weeks against the Rhinos. Isabel Rowe slotted over all three conversions, giving Wigan an 18-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

It was at this time last week that Leeds started to click into gear, but they showed no signs of that happening this week, as poor goal-line defence allowed Williams in for her second try. Rowe was successful again, increasing the lead to 24.

Either side of the 30-minute mark, Wigan and England winger Anna Davies scored twice, the first of which was a piece of individual brilliance as she raced 80 metres down the right flank to score. Her second saw her profit from a sublime ball from Rowe, who cut out two Leeds defenders to put the winger over. Rowe couldn’t kick either goal.

Leeds would eventually get on the scoresheet, doing so in the final play of the first half. Ruby Bruce, who looked to be hobbling just minutes prior, scampered out of dummy half to give the home side some points, before Howard’s accurate kick gave a half-time scoreline of 32-6.

After the break, the Rhinos showed a bit more urgency and looked more of a threat, but they still couldn’t punish the Warriors. In the meantime, Wigan added to their lead through Elise Derbyshire, who was set free after a nice pass from Molly Jones, before rounding Ruby Enright to score. Rowe was back on target from the boot.

Further tries came from Eva Hunter and Rowe, with the reigning Woman of Steel scoring a brilliant solo try, fending off multiple defenders to score from halfway. Rowe then backed that up with an individual try of her own, dummying her way through the defence. Her two conversions gave Wigan the half-century with 15 to play.

The Warriors would play the final nine minutes with 12 players, after a trip from Lucie Sams on Howard was enough for referee Tara Jones to pull out the yellow card. Leeds received a penalty for the challenge, but lost the ball on tackle one, which summed up their evening.

With a player advantage, the Rhinos would grab a consolation score to end the game, as Connie Boyd touched down after she ran a great line to latch on to Howard’s discreet pass. The halfback added the extras, making for a final score of 12-50.