Leeds retain a three-point cushion in the hunt for top four play-off places despite defeat, as Huddersfield Giants lost at York Valkyrie despite a valiant effort.
Tries from Emma Kershaw, Agnes Wood and Ellie Williamson and a Jas Bell conversion had seemingly put the home side in control at the LNER Community Stadium, but Eva Izumi’s try and Sam Hulme’s extras put Giants right back in the game before half-time.
A fiercely-contested second half intensified as York’s Rhiannion Marshall was sin-binned five minutes after going on as an interchange, but York held tight and then made sure with late tries from Peace Lekuru and Bell, with Marshall nailing both kicks to make it 26-6.
St Helens‘ scheduled trip to Warrington Wolves was forfeited by the home side, who cited player availability issues, the game being awarded 48-0 to Saints to keep them in second place.
The RFL Board will decide whether Wolves, who had lost their previous eight games, will face further action.
Nicole Stewart celebrated her call-up to the Scotland squad for the nation’s historic first-ever Test match next week, against Wales, by scoring two tries and converting both for Barrow Raiders against Leigh Leopards.
Forward Stewart powered over in the opening minute and after tries from Mackenzie Taylor and Kate Howard and Charlotte Melvin’s conversion had edged the Leopardesses ahead, Stewart struck with six more points before Vanessa Temple rounded off a 16-10 win which sees Raiders leapfrog their opponents into sixth place.
