Leeds Rhinos Women 0 York valkyrie 12

Leeds Rhinos Women's season came to a disappointing end after they lost out to York Valkyrie in a hard fought Betfred Women's Super League semi-final at AMT Headingley.

After a season, which had see the Rhinos win eight of their league games to finish second in the league, the team fell short in their bid to make it to the Grand Final.

The Rhinos were denied two second half tries after they attempted to fight back from a 12 point deficit after Liv Wood and former Rhinos player Adaoha Akwiwu scored in either half.

Liv Wood broke the deadlock after 22 minutes after Leeds’ defence eventually broke when the prop wrestled her way over the line.  Tara Jane Stanley adding the conversion.

Leeds had chances in the first half but errors at key moments proved costly and Stanley was able to extend the lead for the visitors with a long range penalty kick to give her side an 8-0 lead at the break.

At the start of the half Leeds created opportunities but were unable to make them count and it looked like they had gone further behind on 51 minutes when Tara Jane-Stanley crossed the line, but after inspection from the video referee the stand was judged to have lost possession before she grounded the ball.

In defence Leeds looked strong for long periods and a brilliant tackle from Ruby Bruce prevented a certain try for Megan Pakulis, with the Leeds hooker holding her short of the line.

After Leeds were awarded a penalty for a high tackle on Lucy Murray, they aimed to capitalise on their possession in the York half when Connie Boyd powered through, just to be denied in front of the posts.  Georgia Elliston then looked like she had taken the perfect opportunity to get her first try for the club under the posts, but this time the video referee ruled Ella Donnelly had obstructed the Valkyrie defender and ruled the effort out.

York punished their hosts minutes later when Stanley put Akwiwu through a gap for the second try of the game.  On this occasion the conversion attempt drifted wide

The final ten minutes was interrupted by several injury assessments, Lucy Murray leaving the field after a knock for Leeds, and then Stanley going off for a HIA. 

Walker got Leeds on the front foot but was held short and a minute later it appeared that Leeds had given themselves a lifeline when Ebony Stead crossed the line.  After collecting a high kick that bounced into her hands, the try was sent to the video referee who judged she had lost control grounding the ball.

Leeds kept up the fight as the game drew to a close, strong defence holding Izzy Bibby up over the line, but crucially they were unable to break through for a score, bringing what has been a strong season for the Rhinos team to a frustrating end.