St Helens treble hopes ended by York Valkyrie in Women’s Super League Grand Final

St Helens were defeated 18-8 as York Valkyrie became the first team to retain the Women’s Super League since the competition began in 2017.

The heart-breaking loss ends the Saints’ hunt for a historical treble winning season, despite a strong first half showing.

Matty Smith’s side couldn’t iron out their mistakes throughout the game, which allowed the Yorkshire outfit to take control and runaway with the match in the second half.

Kelsey Gentles secured the win for the York Valkyrie’s, with a try in the 55^th minute, as the substitute picked up the ball after a weaving run by Georgie Hetherington, and fought her way through the Saints defence.

Hooker Isabelle Brennan converted her third kick to extend the York lead by 10 points.

Saints started the game slowly as they repelled many Valkyrie attacks. But they grew in confidence throughout the half, with brilliant play from winger Leah Burke.

St Helens drew first blood with a line-breaking run down the left wing courtesy of Burke, who scored the first try of the game in the 10^th minute.

However Valkyrie were quick to respond in the 15^th minute after a video referee decision, as Lacey Owen capitalised on a miss-kick from Beri Salihi. She picked the ball up and drove to the try-line despite heavy Saints resistance.

Brennan converted following the try to put the Yorkshire outfit in front.

Saints’ scrum-half Faye Gaskin propelled her team ahead at the end of the first half, scoring two penalties in two minutes after high tackles from Valkyrie.

Eboni Partington started the second half strongly and helped Valkyrie into the lead at the start of the second half, where she took advantage of a dropped ball by Erin Stott and outmuscled the Saints defence to score the try.

Fell at the final hurdle

• St Helens faltered at the final stage of their potential treble winning season, in a defeat of their own making.
• The Saints became sloppy with their play as the game went on, with knock-ons and dropped balls, two off these mistakes immediately leading to tries.
• Matty Smith will be frustrated, as his side were leading the game going into half-time.