York Valkyrie booked their place in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final with a hard-fought 12-8 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The Yorkshire outfit delivered a performance under pressure to edge past their rivals and advance to rugby league’s showpiece event, where they will face Wigan Warriors. Tries from forwards Liv Wood and Adaoha Akwiwu provided the foundation for Valkyrie’s success, while the accuracy of stand-off Tara-Jane Stanley with the boot proved pivotal in securing the win.
Clinical Performance in Key Moments
Head Coach Leon Pryce oversaw a display that capitalised on crucial opportunities when they mattered most. The clinical finishing from Wood and Akwiwu kept York in control throughout the contest, with Stanley’s goal-kicking providing a comfortable cushion that proved sufficient to repel Leeds’ second-half rally.
Leeds made their intentions clear in pursuit of a comeback, but their efforts were undermined by critical errors at vital junctures. The Rhinos struggled to convert the attacking opportunities they created, with missed chances proving costly in their bid to reach the Grand Final.
Pathway to the Showpiece
The semi-final victory ensures Valkyrie will compete at the pinnacle of women’s rugby league, having negotiated a stern examination at one of Super League’s most demanding venues. York’s ability to maintain composure under sustained pressure from Leeds demonstrated the quality Head Coach Pryce has built into his squad.
The margin of victory reflected the balance of the encounter, with neither side able to pull clear until the final stages. Valkyrie’s defensive resilience in the closing phases proved as important as their attacking potency in securing the win that sends them through to meet Wigan Warriors in the championship decider.