By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women overcame a spirited Huddersfield Giants side as they emerged 28-4 victors at Laund Hill.

Three key players made their return from injury, as Caitlin Beevers, Lacey Owen and Keara Bennett all made their comeback ahead of the playoffs in a fortnight’s time.

After a downpour of rain that lasted an hour prior to kick-off and the majority of the first half, neither side managed to gain any momentum in the contest, with errors aplenty.

It was the worst possible start for Leeds, as Ebony Stead spilled the kick-off. That gave Huddersfield first chance of points, and they managed to capitalise on the opportunity.

England international Amelia Brown managed to find a gap on the left edge, as the ball was spread from a scrum play. It would be the only points the Giants managed to score, as Leeds’ defence held out for the remainder of the game.

On return, who better to open the scoring than Caitlin Beevers, who took a pass from Lucy Murray to score. She was met by a huge applause from the travelling Rhinos, who have had to wait over a year to see her return to action.

Ruby Bruce then added her first of the afternoon, as the hooker managed to dive over from dummy half, giving Leeds the lead for the first time in the game. Mel Howard converted the try, in what would be the final points of the first half.

The second half opened with a flurry of knock-ons from both sides, with the error count not making good reading for either coach.

With 20 minutes left, the Giants frustrations came to a boil, with centre Eva Izumi sent to the sin bin for dissent. After dropping the ball in the tackle, the celebrations of Murray were too much for her to take, as she launched the ball in anger at the England back rower.

Huddersfield’s outburst came to cost them, with Leeds capitalising on the player advantage. In weather unfit for attacking football, Leeds decided to make route one their key focus, and managed to cross through Izzy Northrop.

Shannon Brown, also via power play, crossed for her sixth try of the season, as smart play from Bruce shaped to go left but switched the play, putting over her back rower. Bruce then capped off a brilliant game with a second try, again using her strength to power over.

Despite a valiant effort from the Giants, the Rhinos were too strong, and now head into a crucial final round match against York Valkyrie full of confidence.

Leeds: Stead, Whitehead, Beevers, Nuttall, Bryer, Howard, Walker, Northrop, Bruce, Glynn, Murray, Brown, Sykes. Subs: Bennett, Boyd, Sharp, Owen

Tries: Bruce x2, Brown, Beevers, Northrop

Goals: Howard 4/5