Giants Women vs York Valkyrie | Match Report

Lori Halloran's Huddersfield Giants Women were defeated 50-12 by York Valkyrie in a hearty performance at Laund Hill.

The Giants were arguably the first ones out of the block from the kick-off. While York were able to break into the home side's half more easily, it would be the hosts to make the first meaningful action. The Valkyrie conceded a cheap penalty for the right edge to pounce all over, though Allana Waller's effort saw her dragged into touch short of the line.

It seemed no one could keep hold of the ball following a small rain shower as scrums for both sides were dished out for repeated knock-ons.

The Valkyrie were able to snap into gear a minute later with Emma Kershaw on the left beating the Giants for numbers. Carrie Roberts provided the kick in the absence of regular goal scorer Tara Jane Stanley.

Both sides traded scrums aplenty following the try, still feeling the wrath of the rain. Frankie Townend stabbed a kick in the corner following the Giants first set from the restart as Waller provided the chase. York's Eboni Partington retrieved the ball before any Giant hand could get it down over the line.

Lindsay Anfield's side stepped up a gear after the spell of pressure, broaching the line against as Sade Rihari aimed for a last tackle kick in the right corner - though safely dealt with by Ana Da Silva, only for the ball to be spilt later in the play.

Partington was the next to pounce on the left edge with Roberts' pinpoint conversion. The centre would get in on the try-scoring action just minutes later with the same edge unable to maintain shape - this time skewing the kick short of the sticks.

Kershaw went in for the double at an angle too awkward for the goal, though debutant Izzy Brennan's bounce through the defence in the middle gave an easy shot from the tee.

Prop Jess Sharp rounded off the first half with her first try of the day with the sides heading back to the sheds 32-0

Kershaw slammed the ball down near the corner post with ease almost straight from kick-off, a symbol of the Valkyrie's ability to earn much-needed metres. Roberts' kick too wide.

Giants' Gracie Hobbs struck back quickly in response to Partington's brace, slashing through defenders to crash on the left edge. Frankie Townend's kicking abilities were in no doubt as a swift goal added the extra 2 points.

Ireland's Bettie Lambert was on the receiving end of a crafty pass from Rihari to glide down the wing for a 4-point score.

Brennan completed her brace with an unsuccessful stab at goal from Roberts to tie the game up 50-12 in favour of the visitors.

HALF TIME: 32-0 RESULT: 50-12

Giants Women: Dani McGifford, Hannah Goddard, Ana Da Silva, Gracie Hobbs, Allana Waller, Frankie Townend, Ruby Tyson, Paige Webster, Bethan Oates, Emma Wilkinson, Jess Harrap, Kacy Haley, Katy Fisher.

Subs: Lois Naidole, Meg Preston, Georgia Hampshaw, Ellie Thompson

18th Player: Chloe Fairbank

Player of the Match: Katy Fisher