By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women were defeated in the Betfred Women’s Super League Semi-Final, after a tough battle saw them lose out to league leaders Wigan Warriors Women.

Head coach Lois Forsell welcomed back Bethan Dainton and Frankie Blakey to the matchday squad, as Izzy Northrop and Jess Sharp both dropped out due to concussion protocols.

Warriors prop Mary Coleman opened the scoring after just four minutes, as she forced herself over from close range. Isabel Rowe added the conversion.

Wigan’s early dominance paid off again as both Ruby and Eva Hunter managed to extend the Warriors’ lead to 16 points.

First, winger Ruby finished off a well-worked move down the blind side. The ball travelled quickly through the hands of Remi Wilton, Grace Banks and Molly Jones before finding it’s way to Hunter to dive over in the corner.

As the 20-minute mark approached, Wigan’s top try scorer Eva crossed for her 25^th of the season, using immense strength and speed to break through multiple tackles and score. Rowe managed to convert the latter of the two Hunter tries, in what would be the final points of the half.

Depsite no further points being added, the half still had plenty of action to offer. Leeds’ two biggest chances came next, but couldn’t find the line with Wigan’s defence proving excellent.

Mel Howard tried a kick in behind to Ruby Walker, after finding success with the same play last week, but fullback Banks was there to collect. Later, both Bella Sykes and the returning Bethan Dainton went close, but were called short on both occasions.

The Rhinos’ evening went from bad to worse as minutes before the second half came to a close, captain Caitlin Beevers went down with a knee injury. The 23-year-old has recently returned after 13 months, due to a knee problem, and we wish her all the best in her recovery. At the break, Wigan led 16-0.

It took just three minutes for the Warriors to extend their lead. Much like their opening try, it was another crash play that Leeds couldn’t defend. This time, Mia-Jane Atherton was the scorer, as she crossed for her tenth try in all competitions.

Increasing the lead to 26, Coleman added her second of the evening with another strong carry. Halves Jenna Foubister and Rowe linked up once again as they sent the prop over for a double.

Eva Hunter’s second and try from Shaniah Power, both short-range plays, saw out the game, with the Warriors forward pack being utterly dominant over the Rhinos. Rowe added both conversions for the final two tries, as the Warriors remain on track to win all four trophies available to them in 2025.