By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women have suffered their first home defeat of the season after falling short in a 16-6 loss to St Helens women – Evie Cousins being the Rhinos sole try scorer.

Leeds made three changes to the side that returned to winning ways against Huddersfield last week. Ruby Enright, Caitlin Casey and Evie Cousins all came back into the starting lineup, replacing Beth MacMillan, Elychia Watson and Grace Short.

The first points of the game went to the Rhinos, who, following a brilliant 40-20 from Casey, received a penalty after the halfback was caught high in front of the posts. Enright added the two and Leeds led after seven minutes.

The visitors took the lead five minutes later when Tara Jones scampered over from dummy half. Saints had back-to-back sets on the Leeds line and made their pressure count. Faye Gaskin couldn’t convert the try so the score remained 4-2 after 15 minutes.

The visitors almost extended their lead if not for an interception from Sophie Robinson. The winger got her hand to the final pass which did give Saints a repeat set but they could not convert the advantage.

Leeds almost scored twice before the half time hooter, both through Evie Cousins. First, she found some space on the right edge and managed to get the ball down, but the touch judge deemed her foot to be out of play before she grounded the ball. Then, three minutes before the break, she took in a kick on the full and raced the length of the field before being tackled by Beri Salihi two metres out. Lucy Murray tried to barge her way over from the ruck, but again good Saints defence stopped the Rhinos. That meant a very close and end-to-end first half ended 4-2 in favour of the away side.

The first part of the second half remained scoreless despite attempts by both sides. The best chance came for the away side as Rebecca Rotherham almost dived over but an excellent try-saving tackle by Caitlin Beevers saw her put into touch. The centre then had her own chance to put her name on the scoreboard but good defence the other way left her held up short. After an hour played, the scores remained 4-2 to the visitors.

The final quarter of the match saw both sides score points. First, Saints extended their advantage to eight points after Faye Gaskin was too strong for the Rhinos defence. She barged her way over close to the posts and her half back partner Zoe Harris added the conversion.

The Rhinos reduced the deficit through Evie Cousins. The winger finally got her try after going close on multiple occasions. Leeds exploited an overlap on the right edge to take the scores to 10-6.

Saints would round off their victory with another try in the final play of the game. Gaskin’s kick deflected off the post padding and into the path of Harris. Gaskin added the conversion to give Saints a 16-6 win.

Attention turns to an away visit as Lois Forsell side face Warrington Wolves on Sunday 14^th July.