York Valkyrie seal first title against dogged Leeds Rhinos

York Valkyrie have won their first Women's Super League title in a 16-6 win over Leeds Rhinos in front of 4,547 fans at LNER Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The Valkyrie complete a wonderful season which saw them also win the League Leaders Shield. They also get over the hump after coming second in the last few seasons. 

On the big stage, the Rhinos had the first chance. York spilled it from the kick-off which allowed the Rhinos to go close through Caitlin Beevers but she was ruled to have knocked on. 

The Valkyrie absorbed the pressure and struck first. They got the first penalty of the game then quick hands ended with Tamzin Renouf going over in the left corner to make it 4-0. 

Leeds drove downfield looking for a score. Kiera Bennett went close on last tackle but she was wrapped up by Tara Jane Stanley to force the turnover in a tight tussle. 

It was an arm wrestle between the two sides and it would come down to one error. York were handed possession on halfway then Jane Stanley sliced through to make it 8-0 at half-time. 

The Rhinos came out of the break on the front foot. They got a pair of high tackle penalties back-to-back and they opted to take the two. Ruby Enright slotted the kick to bring them within a converted score. 

Buoyed by that score, Leeds started to find some joy through the ruck. They sliced through the Valkyrie several times but didn't have the final touch to get on the scoresheet. 

York restored their eight point advantage from the tee after a strip was ruled on the Rhinos defence. Stanley duly potted the kick to make it 10-2 in the Grand Final. 

The trophy was within touching distance for York. They ran the ball on last tackle and found a rampaging Lacey Owen who slammed the ball down and the trophy was headed to York. 

Leeds Rhinos threw everything they could at the York Valkyrie in the final stages. The League Leaders defense held firm as they worked towards the full-time whistle in this game. 

The Rhinos did find some consolation late. Caitlin Casey sliced through after an offload because the Valkyrie players were ready to celebrate their triumph. Rhinos declined the kick. 

The celebrations were huge at the full-time whistle for the Valkyrie who won their first Women's Super League crown. Leeds were unable to defend their crown against the strong York side. 

For her contribution to the win, Georgie Hetherington was awarded the Player of the Match unamiously from the judges who were watching the contest.