Eboni Partington previews York v St Helens tie | Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

St Helens and York Valkyrie are both just 80 minutes away from Wembley Stadium with the two sides set to battle it out in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday (May 11) at the Totally Wicked Stadium (KO 1.45pm). 

The two sides meet at this stage of the competition for the third consecutive year, with the hosts progressing to the final on each of those occasions. 

After a tight game in 2023 with a late Faye Gaskin drop goal seeing Saints go through to the first ever final to be held at Wembley, the Valkyrie were beaten 32-2 at this stage last year.  

Whilst Lindsay Anfield’s side are yet to feature in a Challenge Cup Final, there’s one player in her team who has featured in two already – winger Eboni Partington. 

“I’ve been telling the girls to have it in the back of our minds” admits the 22-year-old. “Obviously don't put too much pressure on ourselves, but when we're training focus on the opportunity that lies ahead if we do get there.”  

With a place at the iconic Wembley Stadium at stake, the England international believes the squad are in good shape ahead of Sunday’s fixture. 

“We have a big semi-final on the way, so we’ve raised the intensity in training and we’re focusing on what we've got to come. There’s been good vibes in camp all week and we've all been focused and determined to train hard and to get the outcome that we want which is obviously the win.  

“We've got new combinations in place, and we've got a new spine so we're taking the pressure off ourselves and just focusing on what we know we can do well, which is our defence and then hopefully counterattack.” 

Partington joined the St Helens under 19s squad in 2019 before being invited to train with the first team, making her debut for them in the 96-0 Challenge Cup win over Stanningley. She enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2022, scoring two tries in St Helens’ Challenge Cup Final win at Elland Road. 

She scored another in the historic Wembley final the following season, but her performance that day might be best remembered for a superb, try-saving cover tackle on Leeds’ Amy Hardcastle – a moment that swung the game and saw Saints score three quick tries before Leeds had another meaningful touch of the ball. 

“It's an amazing stadium and an amazing opportunity to play the sport that we love on such a big stage. There’s always a big crowd there as well and the feeling of walking into Wembley is something completely different.  

“Scoring is an amazing feeling anyway, but it makes it extra special and extra sweet to score at Wembley.” 

St Helens are still to concede a point as they look to win a fifth consecutive Challenge Cup final and as a former member of the Red V herself, Partington knows the Valkyrie will need to be at their best this weekend. 

“Don't over overthink it. Stick to our systems. Stick to what we know works well for us. We have those systems in place and as soon as we go away from that, that's when I think things start to go wrong. So just focusing on that, everyone knowing their role properly and doing it well and just ensuring that we're on our ‘A’ game.  

“We can compete with them, and whilst it’s always a 50/50 chance when we're all doing our role to the best of our ability I think we have a good chance.” 

And of course, the Valkyrie already have good memories at the Totally Wicked Stadium following their 18-8 defeat of their opponents in last season's Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final. 

“The feeling last year when we won the Grand Final was unbelievable. So hopefully we can make it that sweeter and get to Wembley this year because York haven't been there - it’s a hurdle that we’ve not been able to overcome. 

“To do that at Saints home ground is something that the team would be really proud of, and we’d look back on it in many years as a as a big memory we want to cherish.” 

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi Finals: 

Saturday May 10 – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors at LNER Community Stadium (midday kick-off)

Sunday May 11 – St Helens v York Valkyrie at Totally Wicked Stadium (145pm kick-off)

*The women's semi-final ties are part of double headers with the men's Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals

The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June, alongside the finals of the Men's 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final. Tickets are on sale now!