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Nines

25 Jul 2022

York City Knights claim 9s glory

York City Knights claim 9s glory

A dazzling sidestep from England international Tara Stanley in pouring rain decided the first ever Women's Rugby League title in Europe to carry prize money.

The York City Knights star star glided through the Leeds defence after seven minutes at AJ Bell Stadium in the RFL Women’s Nines final to bag a converted try in the bonus zone - she did the converting too - and that was the end of the scoring.

There were wild scenes at full time as the progressive Yorkshire club celebrated a historic trophy win, which earlier saw them eliminate 13-a-side giants St Helens 26-0.

"I just seized the opportunity," Stanley said modestly.

"The Leeds Rhinos women, they’re amazing. They've won trophies and even though we were up at half time, we knew it wasn't going to be easy."

In a landmark development for the women's game, the Knights will get 40 per cent of a small prize purse.

The competition began on May 1 in Warrington with 20 clubs and concluded on Sunday with six, Huddersfield and Warrington eliminated in group play, while Catalans and St Helens bowed out in the semis.

Group matches:

  • St Helens 12 Huddersfield 4
  • York 16 Catalans 8
  • Leeds 29 Huddersfield 6
  • Catalans 22 Warrington 7
  • Leeds 26 St Helens 0
  • York 37 Warrington 0

Semi-finals:

  • Leeds 23 Catalans 7
  • York 26 St Helens 0

Final:

  • York 7 Leeds 0