Leeds Rhinos Women came away with a draw after a hugely competitive and entertaining fixture to start their Betfred Super League campaign against St Helens Women.

After crashing out of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup in the semi-final stage a week earlier, Lois Forsell was looking for a big response from her team, and they certainly gave her that, taking an early lead and remaining in front up until the last five minutes.

Leeds made a good attacking start, with a brilliant first set, but a few early errors meant they were unable to build momentum.  A great break from Bethan Dainton got the Rhinos on the front foot, but she was stopped short by a big tackle from Zoe Harris.  Leeds kept the pressure on Saints and earned a repeat set after smart kicking play from Mel Howard.

After 11 minutes, Howard looked like she was in for the opening score but Jodie Cunningham came to the rescue of the homeside to keep her held up. The Rhinos kept up the threat, with a charging run from Shannon Lacey under the posts, but again the second rower was held up.

A third wave of attack from the Rhinos edged them closer to the opening score when Howard sent Dainton away, but she was tackled metres away from the line, before Keara Bennett went over from dummy half for the first try of the game.   Howard though was unable to add the conversion.

Leeds looked in control, giving Saints little possession and after 30 minutes they were able to extend their lead.  Ebony Stead and Dainton doing well to keep the ball alive before Ruby Bruce stepped up to drive close to the line, but she was driven back into the field of play.  Quick play from Dainton got a short pass to Izzy Northrop and the prop got the better of the Saints defence to score try number two.   Howard this time on target with the conversion.

Saints had their best attacking period as the first half was coming to an end.  A Harris kick was collected by Ebony Stead in the in goal area, but the Pheobe Hook chased her down and forced the full back into touch to earn a goal line drop out.

Katie Mottersead then scooted out of dummy half for Saints but was stopped 10 metres short by Grace Short and Grace Field.  The ball was shifted out left to Bridge, but good defence from Bruce and Walker kept her out.  Mottershead then put in a short pass to Vicky Whitfield who spotted a small gap in the Rhinos defence which she crashed through with just two minutes of the half to play. Zoe Harris missed the conversion in front of the posts with the ball just drifting wide.

Saints kept up the energy in the closing minutes as they looked to increase their score, but Leeds matched them with their defensive efforts to keep them to just one first half try; Shona Hoyle making a charging run but Ebony Stead and Lucy Murray showing a fighting spirit to bring the former Rhinos player down.

Leeds made a great start to the second half.  Saints were caught out by the bouncing ball from kick off and Ella Donnelly pounced on the loose ball to gain possession.  Ruby Bruce then found Howard, who dummied and went through for her team’s third try, just two minutes after the restart.

There was a blow for Leeds when Grace Short was forced to leave the field after being assessed by the medical team and was replaced by Shannon Lacey.

Leeds were forced to show more grit in defence when former Rhino Amy Hardcastle made a break and appeared to be over for the try, however she was held up over the line by Jenna Greening.  Saints then shifted the ball out to McGifford, but brilliant play from Tally Bryer saw her drive her into touch.

Saints made a number of changes which seemed to give them a fresh boost and they were soon in for their second try.  A clever pass from Harris to Shona Hoyle, saw the former Rhino race 30 metres to cross for a try.  This time, Harris was on target with the conversion to make it 10-14 with 25 minutes to play.

The Rhinos responded with a brilliant try from Stead.  Bennett getting the ball away to the young star who then used her speed to weave her way through the Saints' defence.  Howard adding the conversion to give her team a 10 point lead.

Saints hit back when Luci McColm found space out wide to sprint in for the try. Harris though was unable to add the conversion.

Shanny Crowl was penalised for a high tackle, and the Rhinos looked to get an advantage when Howard attempted a drop goal on the last tackle, but the ball just dropped short.

Leeds forced Saints to produce another brilliant defensive set to keep the Rhinos in their own 40 metres.  Another kick saw Harris scoop up the ball, but she was tackled and lost the ball. Ruby Bruce collected and made a charging run and certain to go all the way, but a great cover from Dani McGifford stopped her short.  It then looked like Liv Whitehead had scored in the corner, but it was pulled back for a forward pass.

Leeds were punished for not taking their chances and Saints looked to their captain to come up with some inspiration, which she did with five minutes to play. Cunningham with a late pass to Whitfield who powered her way over for her second try of the game.   McColm landing the conversion to bring the game level at 20-20.

Both teams had chances in a tense final few minutes, but it was to end all even after a thrilling first game of the season. 

Despite the frustrations for Leeds to not hold on for the win, there was plenty for the team to be proud of and encouraging signs for an entertaining Betfred Women’s Super League season to come.

Match Summary

Saints team: Beri Salihi, Phoebe Hook, Erin Stott, Amy Hardcastle, Dani McGifford, Zoe Harris, Caitlin Casey, Channy Crowl, Katie Mottershead, Darcy Stott, Shona Hoyle, Alyx Bridge, Jodie Cunningham

Interchanges: Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Sutherland, Caitlin Maylor, Luci McColm

Tries: Whitfield (38, 74), Hoyle (55), McColm (61)

Conversions: Harris 1/3, McColm 1/1

Rhinos team: Ebony Stead, Tally Bryer, Jenna Greening, Bethan Dainton, Liv Whitehead, Mel Howard, Ruby Walker, Izzy Northrop, Keara Bennett, Ella Donnelly, Shannon Lacey, Lucy Murray, Kaiya Glynn

Interchanges: Ruby Bruce, Grace Field, Grace Short, Frankie Blakey

Tries: Bennett (12), Northrop (31), Howard (41), Stead (57)

Conversions: Howard 2/4