Wigan Warriors Women overcome York Valkyrie to extend unbeaten run

Wigan Warriors Women maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 32-12 victory over York Valkyrie at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Warriors laid the foundations for victory with a dominant first-half display, running in four unanswered tries before withstanding a spirited response from the hosts after the break.

Wigan opened the scoring after just five minutes when Megan Williams burst through a gap and sent Eva Hunter racing away to score beneath the posts. Izzy Rowe added the conversion for a 6-0 lead.

The visitors doubled their advantage six minutes later. Quick hands across the line created space for Ellise Derbyshire to finish in the corner, although Rowe was unable to add the extras.

Hunter grabbed her second try of the afternoon on 27 minutes. Beri Salihi broke through the York defence before finding the supporting Hunter, who charged over the line. Rowe converted to make it 16-0.

Wigan crossed again just before half-time when Lucie Sams powered over from close range. Rowe’s conversion attempt struck the post, leaving the Warriors 20-0 ahead at the break.

York finally got themselves on the scoreboard eight minutes into the second half. Izzy Bibby caught the Wigan defence off guard with a sharp scoot from dummy half, and Ellie Williamson converted to reduce the deficit to 20-6.

The Warriors responded strongly midway through the half. Grace Banks showed excellent footwork to dart through the defensive line and score under the posts, with Rowe converting to restore Wigan’s 20-point advantage.

York refused to go away and struck again 10 minutes from time when Rhiannion Marshall powered over. Williamson’s conversion narrowed the score to 26-12.

However, Wigan had the final say. With two minutes remaining, Jenna Foubister sliced through the York defence before finding Salihi, who sent the supporting Banks away for her second try of the afternoon. Rowe converted to complete a 32-12 victory.

The result extends Wigan’s unbeaten start to the campaign and maintains their strong momentum as they continue their push at the top of the Women’s Super League table.

York: Monique Donovan; Emma Kershaw, Adaoha Akwiwu, Petra Woods, Eboni Partington; Sade Rihari, Ellie Williamson; Jas Bell, Isabel Bibby, Megan Pakulis, Tamzin Renouf, Olivia Wood, Sinead Peach. Subs: Agnes Wood, Isabelle Brennan, Rhiannion Marshall, Tara Moxon. 18th woman: Olivia Turner.

Tries: Bibby, Marshall | Goals: Williamson 2/2

Wigan: Grace Banks; Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Beri Salihi, Ellise Derbyshire; Jenna Foubister, Izzy Rowe; Mary Coleman, Remi Wilton, Bethan Dainton, Eva Hunter, Ruby Hunter, Megan Williams. Subs: Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Kelsey Gentles, Lucie Sams. 18th woman: Jade Gregory-Haselden.

Tries: E Hunter (2), Derbyshire, Sams, Banks (2) | Goals: Rowe 4/6