Super Four and Shield: Final Round Story

The final round of the Betfred Women’s Super League concluded this weekend, with York Valkyrie securing the remaining semi-final spot against Leeds Rhinos on Friday 18 September, live on Sky Sports (KO 5:15pm).

Valkyrie booked their place by handing Wigan Warriors their first defeat of the season, winning 26-12.

Wigan had already secured their place in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday 27 September after winning the League Leaders’ Shield earlier in the season.

Sunday’s result was Wigan’s first defeat in any competition this season, and their first since losing to York in the league in August 2025.

Built on strong defence and controlled game management, York scored four first-half tries - including two from Monique Donovan - to lead by 18 points at the break.

York maintained that defensive intensity after half-time, restricting Wigan’s opportunities and closing out a memorable victory.

Wigan opened the scoring early despite York’s bright start. Carys Marsh found space from acting half before releasing Mary Coleman in support to score, with Isabel Rowe adding the conversion.

York responded with composure and soon drew level through Donovan’s first try, with Tara-Jane Stanley converting.

With momentum firmly behind them, Valkyrie kept Wigan under pressure and secured an impressive home win.

St Helens also ended their season on a high with victory over Leeds Rhinos.

In a hard-fought contest, Rhinos were chasing the game throughout and, despite a late fightback, fell just short.

Saints and Valkyrie both finished their campaigns on 14 points, leaving points difference to decide the final semi-final place.

In the Shield competition, Barrow Raiders and Leigh Leopards battled to avoid the Promotion Play-Off Final against the Women’s Championship winners.

Barrow, whose only previous win this season came in the reverse fixture, needed victory to draw level with Leigh and knew their superior points difference would be decisive.

Tries from Sam Norman, Leah Clough, Emma Hutchinson and Maddie Houghton kept Barrow ahead as they held off a late Leopards rally.

Leigh will now face the winner of Manchester Swinton Lionesses v London Broncos in the Women’s Promotion Play-Off Final, which will be played ahead of the Grand Final on Sunday 20 September at 2pm.

The weekend’s final game saw Featherstone Rovers face Huddersfield Giants, with Rovers handing Giants their first defeat since the season split and ending a run of six straight losses against them.

Tries from Brogan Churm, Em Holmes, Aaliyah Brewster and Ash Prescott gave Rovers an 18-4 half-time lead, and they withstood a strong second-half fightback from Giants to win 18-16.

Betfred Women’s Super League Results:

Super Four:

Saturday 12 September

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens – 22-24

Sunday 13 September

York Valkyrie v Wigan Warriors – 26-12

Shield Competition:

Saturday 12 September

Leigh Leopards v Barrow Raiders – 20-24

Featherstone Rovers v Huddersfield Giants – 18-16

Tickets for the Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final are available here.