Warrington crowned a memorable debut season of Women’s Rugby League by clinching the Championship title with a convincing Grand Final win against Barrow Island Ladies in a marvellous double header at the Manchester Regional Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Watched by Wolves' men's star Ben Murdoch Masila, who was present to support his wife Roxy - a fixture of the Wolves' womens side - the Wire showed their quality in spades, defeating a strong Barrow side 40-4.
👊 @BMMasila11 amongst a big crowd watching Warrington in the Women’s Championship Grand Final!
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) October 12, 2019
👊 His wife Roxy is Wire’s Captain today... pic.twitter.com/d5VWBaJsuk
Lee Westwood, coach of Warrington Wolves Women, was delighted with his side's performance:
"It was a frustrating start but absolutely fantastic and shows just how resilient these players have been defensively all year. Over the last eight games we’ve only had one try a game scored against us.
The girls’ game in Warrington is absolutely fantastic and it’s brilliant to be a part of it."
And on the growth of the women’s game:
“It's been my first time into it this year and I didn’t know what to expect. As a coach I have absolutely loved it. What they did at St Helens on Friday night with the Grand Final was unbelievable and the women’s game is getting bigger and bigger. You can see that with the crowds coming out to watch the game. Over the next couple of years there’s no reason why we can have 5,6, 7000 people watching.”
Wolves Women captain Roxy Murdoch-Masila was equally pleased to clinch the title:
"The game didn’t start how we wanted it to….how we played wasn’t how we want to, how we have played all year. But we are happy we came off with the win.
"Our goal this year was to make top four so to win the Championship is a big honour for us.”
There was also glory for Keighley Albion - who had an enjoyable run in the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup earlier this season - who clinched the League 1 title with a 54-12 win over Cutsyke Raidettes.
FULL-TIME
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) October 12, 2019
Keighley Albion 54
Cutsyke Raidettes 12
👠Congratulations, @AlbionRLFC! pic.twitter.com/wFP7vXwU7C
