Leaders Wigan Warriors extended their perfect start to the Women’s Super League season as they edged St Helens 32-28 in a thriller at Edge Hall Road.
Warriors led 22-16 at the break thanks to Eva Hunter’s double and Anna Davies and Izzy Rowe scores, with Emily Rudge, Phoebe Hook and Mia Drescher replying in a back-and-forth first half.
Rachael Woosey’s try and Faye Gaskin’s third goal pulled the Saints level, but Davies’ second and Mary Coleman sealed victory despite Hook’s late try.
Rowe added four goals to take her personal tally to 12 points.
Second-placed Leeds Rhinos remained within two points of Wigan as they kept pace by thrashing Leigh Leopards 72-0 at Headingley.
The hosts ran in eight first-half tries through Mel Howard (2), Amelia Hirst (2), Liv Whitehead, Keara Bennett, Ebony Stead and Ruby Bruce.
Leeds maintained their dominance after the break with Ruby Walker crossing twice and Whitehead grabbing a second, while Grace Short, Connie Boyd and Frankie Blakey added further gloss.
Ellie Williamson’s hat-trick inspired defending champions York Valkyrie to a 44-0 win on the road at second-bottom Featherstone Rovers.
Tries from Williamson, Megan Pakulis, Monique Donovan and Emma Kershaw sent them 18-0 clear at the break.
Valkyrie completed the one-sided win with five more tries after the break, with Williamson and Eboni Partington crossing twice and Petra Woods going over.
