Reigning Women’s Super League champions Wigan Warriors fell to a narrow 4-6 defeat to arch rivals St Helens in the opening round of this year’s competition thanks to a late Faye Gaskin penalty.
St Helens were awarded a penalty in the closing stages of the game as Wigan’s Sarah Harrison was sent to the sin bin for obstructing the play-the-ball. Gaskin slotted the penalty goal to get the Women’s Super League started in dramatic fashion.
Wigan had taken the lead when Alison Burrows latched onto a low kick to the corner from Gemma Walsh. However, St Helens levelled the scores midway through the first half as Leah Burke crossed on the left edge.
Castleford Tigers were the big winners in round one cruising to an 0-80 victory over York City Knights. Georgie Hetherington and Esme Reynolds both grabbed hat-tricks, Lacey Owen Tara-Jane Stanley and Grace Field notched braces while Kelsey Alexis, Lucy Eastwood and 2018 Woman of Steel Georgia Roche was also on the scoresheet in a 15-try haul.
Leeds Rhinos got their campaign off to a winning start with a 58-4 victory over Wakefield Trinity. Caitlin Beevers and Danielle Anderson both scored doubles with Sophie Robinson, Elle Frain, Amy Johnson, Tasha Gaines, Aimee Staveley, Sophie Nuttall and Frankie Townend all also crossing. Saskia Lewis scored Wakefield's solitary try.
An impressive second half performance saw Bradford Bulls overcome Featherstone Rovers - 38-16 - in an all-Yorkshire affair at the Provident Stadium. Stacey Greenwood and Amy Hardcastle both scored hat-tricks with Savannah Andrade also going over for the Bulls. Katie Hepworth, Brogan Churm and Jess Hammond were the scorers for Rovers.
Elsewhere, Stanningley top the Women's Championship following a 20-4 victory over Hull FC. Barrow edged out Warrington Wolves 28-20, while Huddersfield Giants earned an 8-16 win against Widnes Vikings and Leigh Miners Rangers were 22-14 winners at Oulton Raidettes.
There was just on game in the Women’s League One with Halifax coming out as 18-6 victors over Whitley Bay Barbarians.
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