Women’s Nines Round-up
- Wigan Warriors finished runners up in the Women’s Nines Finals at the Salford Stadium.
- Warriors remained unbeaten in the Group A, before defeating the holders York Valkyrie in the semi-finals.
- Despite tries from Molly Jones and Beri Salihi, Wigan were beaten 21-8 by Leeds Rhinos in the final.
Wigan Warriors were beaten 21-8 by Leeds Rhinos in the Women’s Nines Final after an incredible showing across the day at the Salford Stadium.
After winning all three of their group stage matches to qualify for the Women’s Nines Finals at the Salford Stadium, the Warriors remained unbeaten in their two Group A fixtures to progress to the semi-finals.
The Warriors started their first game of the day strongly against Leeds Rhinos, who had beaten Warrington Wolves 36-0 in the first Group A match, as Anna Davies powered over in the opening minutes.
Despite tries from Emma Dwyer and Beri Salihi, the Rhinos responded on each occasion with a late converted try levelling the match at 14-14.
The Warriors confirmed their place in the semi-final with a dominant six try win over Warrington Wolves, with Davies and Molly Jones both scoring doubles.
Mary Coleman and Grace Banks also crossed for tries as Wigan finished runners up behind the Rhinos, which set up a semi-final tie with the Women’s Nines holders, York Valkyrie.
York came into the clash off the back of wins against St Helens and Cardiff Demons in the group stages, however, a lightning start from the Warriors saw Coleman open the scoring in the corner.
The Cherry and Whites continued to play with confidence which resulted in further tries from Jones and Kerrie Evans, who dived over to give the Warriors a 12-0 lead with seven minutes remaining.
A firm defensive effort from the Warriors kept York out until the closing stages, although Wigan held onto their 12-4 lead to the final whistle which set up a clash with the Rhinos in the final after they defeated St Helens.
The Rhinos started the final the stronger as they went ahead in the opening minutes, however, the Warriors responded immediately when Jones dived over for her fourth try across the afternoon.
Despite Sahili’s second half try, which kept hope alive, Leeds added two additional tries late on to claim a 21-8 victory which saw the Rhinos crowned Women’s Nines Champions.
Gallery:
Wigan Warriors Squad: Beri Salihi, Rachel Thompson, Anna Davies, Rebecca Greenfield, Grace Banks, Holly Speakman, Eva Hunter (unused), Mary Coleman, Victoria Molyneux, Emma Dwyer, Cerys Jones (unused), Lucy Johnson, Jodie Morris, Molly Jones, Kerrie Evans, Sarah Bardsley.
Tries: Jones (4), Davies (3), Salihi (2), Coleman (2), Banks, Dwyer, Evans.
