Women’s Match preview: York

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors Women’s Betfred Challenge Cup group stage match against York City Knights Ladies. The Warriors Women face the Knights at the LNER Stadium on Sunday 20th March (12pm K.O.).

Campaign so far

Wigan head into the fixture having won their opening group stage game against Bradford Bulls last Sunday. The Warriors put in a strong display as they crossed for eight tries in a 44-6 victory at Horsfall Stadium, putting them second in their group, just behind their opponents this week on points difference.

Injury news

The Warriors remain without Rachel Thompson, Alison Burrows, Cailey Miller and Hannah Walton who have long-term injuries. Wigan will also be without Becky Greenfield as well as vice-Captain Vicky Molyneux for the fixture after sustaining a knee injury against Bradford last weekend.

Head-to-head

This will be the eighth meeting between the Warriors and the Knights, and the first in 2022. York won all three meetings in 2021 as Wigan look to get the better of York this time.

Last four meetings:

• Wigan 6-20 York (WSL)
• Wigan 4-12 York (WSL)(Odsal Stadium, Bradford)
• York 30-24 Wigan (WCC)(Mobile Rocket Stadium, Wakefield)
• Wigan 42-0 York (WSL)

Summary:

• York wins: 3
• Wigan wins: 5

Coach quotes

Speaking to wiganwarriors.com, Women’s boss Kris Ratcliffe gave his thoughts on this weekends game: “I was pleased with the performance against Bradford. We came in short of match practice with both of our friendlies succumbing to the weather. To score 44 points and only concede from an interception was a great effort. Especially when you factor in that we had seven debuts and lost Vicky Molyneux early in second half.

“York will be a much bigger challenge. They will put us under pressure constantly and we will need to be brave in the middle to deal with that. We need to stick to our processes in attack to challenge them too and stay connected and physical in defence. We will have another couple of debuts with 3 17-year olds in our squad and a player making their rugby League debut after joining us from Touch rugby. It’s going to be a big occasion for us and again for the womens game being streamed on BBC and we’re looking forward to it.”

Ticket info

Tickets for the fixture can be purchased in advance via the York City Knights website. Tickets are priced at £20 Adults, £15 Concessions and U16s go free, please note that the ticket price includes both the Women’s game at 12pm followed by York City Knights men at 3pm.

Watch Live

Can’t make it to the game? The fixture is being streamed live and free both on Our League from 12pm.

Social Media

Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.

• Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – half time and full time updates.
• Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – half time and full time updates.
• Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – half time and full time updates.
• Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including a match report