York Valkyrie made history by becoming the first team in Women’s Super League history to win back-to-back league titles, triumphing in a thrilling Grand Final that denied St Helens an unprecedented treble. The top two sides in the WSL clashed in a captivating showdown, with both teams’ legacies at stake. Matty Smith’s Saints were aiming to complete a remarkable clean sweep after securing the Challenge Cup and the League Leader’s Shield in 2024. However, they were outdone on their home ground by a resilient Valkyrie side, who delivered a performance of sheer determination in front of a record WSL crowd.
York faced significant challenges, missing two of their key players: England internationals Tara-Jane Stanley and Sinead Peach. Stanley was sidelined due to an upcoming knee surgery, while Peach’s absence was due to her pregnancy, with her expected to give birth in the coming weeks. Despite these crucial absences, the Valkyrie displayed extraordinary resilience and skill.
Having already secured a crucial away win against Leeds in the semi-final, York once again rose to the occasion when it mattered most, becoming the first team in WSL history to defend their title. Tries from Lacey Owen, Eboni Partington, and Kelsey Gentles were instrumental in overcoming a Saints side that struggled with errors throughout the match, particularly in the final.
The hosts initially took the lead with a spectacular solo try from Leah Burke, the competition’s leading try-scorer. However, York quickly responded through Owen, capitalizing on an error by Beri Salihi. Despite two goals from the retiring Faye Gaskin just before halftime, which nudged Saints back into a narrow two-point lead, York dominated the second half.
Partington, a former Saints player, restored York’s lead shortly after the restart, and this time, Smith’s side could not recover. York maintained complete control during the final quarter, with any potential Saints comeback thwarted by unforced errors or inspired Valkyrie defense. Gentles’ try, executed under pressure from four St Helens defenders, secured a two-score lead, ensuring York’s second consecutive championship title.
