Betfred Women’s Super League
Wigan (20) 26
Tries: Coleman (2), Jones, Sams, Hunter Goals: Rowe (3)
Leeds (10) 20
Tries: Naidole (2), Whitehead, Brown, Goals: Howard (2)
Wigan Warriors retained the Women’s Super League Leaders’ Shield by holding off second-placed Leeds Rhinos’ comeback to win 26-20 at Edge Hall Road Community Stadium.
Mary Coleman went over twice either side of tries by Molly Jones and Lucie Sams as the hosts raced into a 20-0 lead inside the first 24 minutes, but Lois Naidole scored twice to halve the deficit by half-time.
Tries by Liv Whitehead and Shannon Brown and Mel Howard’s second conversion gave Leeds more momentum and reduced Wigan’s advantage to six points.
Georgia Elliston threatened to put Leeds within a goal of levelling the scoreline but both defences performed robustly during the closing stages.
It means the Warriors have won their second shield and extended Rhinos’ wait for a second triumph to eight years.
The result prolongs Wigan’s winning run in the fixture to six games and sends Denis Betts’ side to the grand final on 27 September, when they will face the winners of a play-off on 18 September between the teams finishing second and third.
Leeds remain four points clear of third-placed York Valkyrie before the remaining Super 4s matches, hosting Warriors next Saturday and St Helens, who are currently fourth, a week later.
Wigan: Grace Banks, Mary Coleman, Anna Davies, Remi Wilton, Georgia Wilson, Lucie Sams, Molly Jones, Eva Hunter, Ellise Derbyshire, Cerys Jones, Jenna Foubister, Megan Williams, Isabel Rowe
Interchanges: Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Bethan Dainton, Kelsey Gentles
Leeds: Ruby Enright, Liv Whitehead, Evie Cousins, Connie Boyd, Ebony Stead, Mel Howard, Ruby Walker, Georgia Elliston, Keara Bennett, Kaiya Glynn, Lucy Murray, Lois Naidole, Shannon Brown
Interchanges: Grace Short, Jess Sharp, Nicole Kennedy, Bella Sykes
Referee: Reece Schofield