York Valkyrie win back-to-back Super League titles in front of record crowd

York Valkyrie made history by becoming the first team to retain the Betfred Women’s Super League crown as they denied St Helens the treble at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday evening (6 October).

After ending the regular season without former Women of Steel Tara Jane Stanley and Sinead Peach, third-placed York stunned League Leaders St Helens in front of a record 4,813 strong crowd to remain Champions.

Back-to-back ?

The champions of the @Betfred Women’s #SuperLeague Grand Final 2024… @YorkValkyrie! ? pic.twitter.com/6w89LVuFYe

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 6, 2024

Sunday’s 18-8 victory – the first defeat for Saints since losing to the Valkyrie on the opening weekend of the Super League season – was hard earned by Lindsay Anfield’s side who had beaten Leeds Rhinos 12-10 in the semi-finals.

Lacey Owen put the Valkyrie ahead, but the home side responded through the league’s top try-scorer Leah Burke and two penalties from Faye Gaskin to make it 8-6 at the break.

The visitors failed to give in and hammered away with their kicking game and forced a series of errors from their opponents in the rain.

Tries from former Saints winger Eboni Partington and Kelsey Gentles ensured that the Valkyrie fought back to claim their second successive title, with 2024 Woman of Steel nominee Georgie Hetherington named Player of the Match for her outstanding efforts in both attack and defence.

Earlier in the day, Leigh Leopards secured a place in the top flight for 2025 after defeating Featherstone Rovers 34-16 in the Promotion Play-Off Final.

Tries from Mollie Young, Gabi Leigh, Hattie Dogus, Toryn Blackwood, Becky Greenfield and Storm Cobain sealed promotion for Kieron Purtill’s side who have ended the 2024 season unbeaten following the victory.