York Valkyrie end Wigan's unbeaten run with 26-12 win
York Valkyrie ended Wigan Warriors' year-long unbeaten league run with a 26-12 win in the Betfred Women's Super League. BBC Sport
Wigan struck first. Mary Coleman touched down early to give the visitors the lead, before York hit back through Monique Donovan and Eboni Partington to take control.
In rugby league, a try is worth four points for grounding the ball over the line, with a further two on offer from the boot for the conversion. York made those extras count. They led 24-6 at half-time and never let Wigan back level.
Donovan scored twice for the hosts, with Partington and Lily Wood also crossing. Stanley added five goals from the tee for York. For Wigan, Coleman and Kelsey Gentles scored the tries and Rowe kicked two goals.
What makes this stand out is the turnaround. Wigan had beaten York in three previous meetings in 2026 by a combined score of 128-12. This was their first defeat in a league match since losing to the same opposition in August last year.
Wigan had already secured the League Leaders' Shield, the prize for finishing top of the table, before this final-round Super 4s game. They had retained it with a 26-20 win over second-placed Leeds Rhinos in late August.
The result shapes the play-offs. York will now play Leeds in the semi-final on Friday. The winner will face Wigan in the Grand Final on Saturday, 27 September. BBC Sport
For fans, this means momentum has shifted. York arrived on the back of a narrow 14-10 home loss to St Helens. They leave with belief, and a final in sight.
