Super Four & Shield: Round 2 Preview

The Betfred Women’s Super League continues this weekend, with Round 2 of the Super Four and Shield Competitions bringing another important set of fixtures.

Wigan Warriors and York Valkyrie will open the weekend’s Super Four action at Edge Hall Road Community Stadium on Saturday (15 August, KO at 12pm).

The sides last met in Round 5, when Wigan delivered a strong performance to overcome York.

Both teams made early errors and took time to find their rhythm, but Wigan grew into the contest and ultimately took control.

York crossed twice through Izzy Bibby and Rhiannion Marshall, but braces from Eva Hunter and Grace Banks helped the Warriors seal victory in the 78th minute.

This weekend, York will be aiming to close the gap and become the first side to beat the unbeaten Warriors.

St Helens will also take on Leeds Rhinos on Saturday at The BrewDog Stadium, (KO 12pm).

The teams met in Round 5, when Leeds claimed victory to secure their place in the Super Four.

Three first-half tries gave Leeds a 16-0 lead at the break before Dani McGifford opened Saints’ account in the left corner, with Faye Gaskin adding the conversion.

Katie Mottershead powered over from close range as Saints threatened a comeback, but Ebony Stead’s break down the wing set up Connie Boyd for her second try and helped Leeds regain control.

In Round 2, the second-placed Rhinos have an opportunity to move six points clear of the Red V if they win this weekend, strengthening their claims for a top two finish.

In the Shield Competition, Leigh Leopards host Huddersfield Giants at Leigh Miners Rangers (KO 1pm), while Barrow Raiders welcome Featherstone Rovers to the Speed Competitions Stadium (KO 3pm).

Leigh and Huddersfield last met in Round 2 of the BWSL.

Huddersfield produced a strong response on that occasion, running in six tries to beat Leigh 26-0 and claim their first league win of the season.

Amelia Brown marked a special milestone with her 100th try for Huddersfield, crossing alongside Mollie Iceton to give the Giants an 8-0 half-time lead.

They extended their advantage after the break through Sam Hulme, Faye Barraclough, Becky Grady and Gracie Hobbs to complete a confident victory.

Barrow and Featherstone last met in Round 3, when Rovers edged a tight contest against the Raiders.

Emma Hutchinson opened the scoring for Barrow before Brogan Churm levelled the match at 6-6 before half-time.

The lead changed hands as Dani Waters scored a converted try for Featherstone, before Chloe Capstick responded for Barrow.

However, Barrow’s missed conversions proved costly, allowing Rovers to move back in front before Ash Prescott extended the lead and secured a 16-10 win - Featherstone’s first of the BWSL season.

Super Four:

Saturday 15th August

Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie – Edge Hall Road Community Stadium, KO 12pm

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos – The BrewDog Stadium, KO 12pm

Shield Competition:

Saturday 15th August:

Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants – Leigh Miners Rangers, KO 1pm

Barrow Raiders v Featherstone Rovers – Speed Competitions Stadium, KO 3pm