Women’s Academy defeat Saints in derby

• Match Report as Wigan Warriors Women’s Academy win against St Helens.
• Warriors scored five tries in an encouraging display to end the season.
• FT | Wigan Warriors 26-6 St Helens.

Wigan Warriors Women’s Academy completed a perfect mini-season trilogy with a 26-6 Derby day victory over St Helens Women’s Academy at Ince Rose Bridge. 

The visitors started the brighter with an array of attacks but it was the Warriors who went closest to opening the scoring on 10 minutes as Beri Sahili looked to pick out Sydney Alderman-Smith who was unfortunate not to claim the ball with the line in sight and minutes later Emma Knowles looked to find captain Kaitlin Hilton in space but without success. 

Wigan did open the scoring with 22 minutes on the clock though as a pass from Knowles found the run of Sahili who darted over for the try, Knowles was unable to convert. 

Saints looked to respond and if not for a strong chase and tackle from Grace Banks would likely have drawn level. Wigan extended the lead in style on 34 minutes as Eva Hunter broke through the Saints line and picked out Molly Jones who returned the favour as Hunter collected and raced over, Knowles converted for 10-0. 

The visitors did get off the mark before the interval though as a solo run from former Warrior Megan Bragg saw her dive over and Amy Taylor convert for 10-6 into the half time break. 

Wigan resumed control within six minutes of the restart as a rapid run from Molly Jones saw her cross on the wing, Knowles looked to have converted but the flags were not raised as Wigan led 14-6.

St Helens had a few chances to cut the gap with the best seeing them held up over the line but the failure to cross for a second try of the game proved costly as a superb intercept by Emma Welsford saw her cruise down the field to score a fantastic try under the sticks, Knowles added the extras with ease for 20-6 after 52 minutes. 

After a superb season in the senior team, Beth Hayes came onto the field for the final time at Academy level on 66 minutes and formed part of the attack that finished off the scoring as a clever play saw Molly Jones cross for her second score of the evening with Knowles sweeping the conversion down the middle for 26-6. 

Saints came close to having the final say on the scoreline as a batting set saw them just inches from the Wigan line but a hasty pass led to a knock-on. The final whistle led to a roar of applause from the huge crowd as the young Warriors made it three from three.

Gallery:

Wigan Warriors: Beri Salihi, Sydney Alderman-Smith, Emma Davies, Molly Jones, Kerrie Evans, Grace Banks, Emma Knowles, Lucy Johnson, Abbie Singleton, Georgia Lake, Kaitlin Hilton, Eva Hunter, Cerys Jones.

Interchange: Emma Welsford, Olivia Boyham, Beth Hayes, Arabella Reed, Jodie Morris, Sophie Morris, Charlotte Nixon.

Tries: Salihi (22′), Hunter (34′), M.Jones (46′, 66′), Welsford (52′)

Goals: Knowles 3/5

St Helens: Isobelle Wood, Grace Arrowsmith, Gracie Bradshaw, Hollie Brussels, Amy Taylor, Katie Mottershead, Megan Bragg, Morgan Pearson, Erin McDonald, Lydia Humphries, Grace Doodson, Megan Williams, Libbi-Mae Leppert.

Interchange: Olivia Argent, Amber Davies, Bethany Anderton, Amelia Yates, Sophie Mitchell, Amy Gregory, Katie Tymon, Lily Webster.

Tries: Bragg (36′)

Goals: Taylor 1/1

By Simon Driscoll.