St Helens made themselves firm favourites to face Leeds Rhinos in next week’s Women’s Super League semi-final by beating the same opponents in the final round of the regular season.
Saints now need all-conquering neighbours Wigan Warriors, who have a 100 per cent record, to beat York Valkyrie tomorrow to cement their return to Headingley next Friday.
The visitors made sure of their seventh successive win at the stadium as tries from Emily Rudge, Caitlin Casey, Vicky Whitfield and Jodie Cunningham, as well as four crucial conversions from Faye Gaskin, ensured they kept their noses in front throughout.
Tries from Ruby Bruce, Ebony Stead, Liv Whitehead (2) and Evie Cousins made it a tense finish, but Mel Howard kicked just one of five conversion attempts as Leeds were beaten 24-22.
Barrow Raiders pulled off a dramatic 24-20 win at Leigh Leopards to preserve their Women’s Super League status for 2027.
The Cumbrian outfit, whose only previous victory this season came in the reverse fixture, needed two points to draw level with Leigh, knowing they had a far superior points difference.
Tries from Sam Norman, Leah Clough, Emma Hutchinson (2) and Maddie Houghton kept them on top as they resisted a late rally by the Leopards.
Leigh now face a promotion/relegation play-off on 27 September against the winners of the Championship Grand Final between Manchester Swinton Lionesses and London Broncos on 20 September.
Featherstone Rovers inflicted Huddersfield Giants‘ first defeat since the season split, and ended a run of six straight defeats by their opponents.
Tries from Brogan Churm, Em Holmes, Aaliyah Brewster and Ash Prescott had the Rovers 18-4 up at half time, and they withstood a strong Giants fightback in the second half to win 18-16.