York Valkyrie claimed a third Women’s Super League crown after holding off Wigan to claim an upset 8-6 victory in the Grand Final at the Brick Community Stadium.
The 2023 and 2024 champions took an early lead through captain Sinead Peach’s converted try although Mia Atherton touched down underneath the posts in the first quarter to level things up at 6-6.
Atherton, though, was sin-binned for her part in a double tip-tackle on Jas Bell and Ellie Williamson put York back ahead from the resulting penalty just before the half hour.
Wigan, the defending champions who defeated St Helens in last year’s showpiece, went up a level in the second half but were foiled by a fantastic defensive rearguard as York held on for a famous win.
Today the Valkyrie will celebrate in York city centre. They will board a City Cruises boat at Kings Staith Landing and parade the Women’s Super League trophy along the River Ouse.
They will be there at about 4.45pm for a 5pm sail.
The club said: “Let’s line the river banks as you wear your colours and bring your voices to give the trophy the homecoming it deserves!”