Grace Banks scored a hat-trick in Wigan's victory over Leigh in Women's Super League Wigan Warriors thrashed Leigh Leopards 60-6 to extend their unbeaten start and return to the top of Women's Super League. Amidst heavy rain, Denis Betts' side easily overcame the Leopards, who started the day fourth in the table, to make it five wins out of five in the league. Wigan scored 11 tries, including a hat-trick from Grace Banks, whilst the visitors could only muster one at the Robin Park Arena. In the other 14:00 BST kick-off, reigning championsYork Valkyriewithstood a second-halfHuddersfield Giantscomeback to snatch a late 24-20 win and keep their hopes of defending their title intact. And in the lunchtime kick-off,Leeds Rhinosromped to a 66-4 win overBarrow,scoring 12 unanswered tries after the Raiders had opened the scoring in the first minute. St Helens' win over Warringtonon Saturday had seen Wigan drop to second in the table, but they took early command against Leigh with Eva Hunter's try and a 60m solo run from Banks. Struggling with Wigan's physicality, things got bad from worse for Leigh as tries from Tiana Power, Anna Davies and Mia Atherton, plus second scores from Hunter and Banks, made it 38-0 at the break. The Leopards got their first points on the board soon after the restart through Katie Howard. But it proved mere consolation as Georgia Wilson responded for Wigan, crossing over in the corner for the hosts' eighth try. Davies and Atherton then scored their second tries, while Banks completed her hat-trick with seconds left. York needed a late try from Sinead Peach to win at Huddersfield after an impressive comeback from the Giants. It looked like it was going to be a straightforward afternoon for the champions when they led 18-4 at the break through tries from Tamzin Renouf, Zoe Hornby and Jas Bell, with Amelia Brown responding for the Giants. However, Huddersfield cut York's lead with further tries from Bethan Oates and Fran Copley, before Brown got her second to give the hosts the lead. But with three minutes left, Peach went over to put Valkyrie back in front, with Rhiannion Marshall adding the extras. It was more straightforward for Leeds, despite them falling behind to Barrow when Vanessa Temple scored in the first minute. After that it was one-way traffic for the third-placed Rhinos as Ebony Stead ran in four tries and Sophie Nuttall scored a hat-trick. Evie Cousins, Frankie Blakey, Ella Donnelly, Connie Boyd and Liv Whitehead also crossed for dominant Leeds.
Wigan return to top as York and Leeds also win
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wigan Warriors Secure Top Spot with Dominant Win Over Leigh Leopards"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Wigan Warriors continued their dominant performance in the Women's Super League by defeating Leigh Leopards with a staggering score of 60-6. The match, held at the Robin Park Arena under heavy rain, showcased Wigan's offensive prowess as they scored an impressive total of 11 tries. Grace Banks was the standout player, scoring a hat-trick that contributed significantly to the team's fifth consecutive victory, keeping them at the top of the league table. The Leopards, who were positioned fourth prior to the match, struggled against Wigan's physical style of play and were unable to mount any significant challenge. Wigan took control early in the game with Eva Hunter opening the scoring, followed by a remarkable 60-meter solo run from Banks. By halftime, the score was an overwhelming 38-0 in favor of Wigan, with additional tries from Tiana Power, Anna Davies, and Mia Atherton solidifying their lead. Leigh managed to score their first points through Katie Howard early in the second half, but Wigan quickly responded with more tries, including Banks' hat-trick goal, sealing the game with a comfortable margin.
In other matches that day, the reigning champions, York Valkyrie, faced a more challenging encounter against Huddersfield Giants, ultimately securing a narrow 24-20 victory. York led comfortably at halftime with a score of 18-4, thanks to tries from Tamzin Renouf, Zoe Hornby, and Jas Bell. However, Huddersfield fought back in the second half, taking the lead briefly before Sinead Peach scored a late try to restore York's advantage. Meanwhile, Leeds Rhinos had a commanding performance against Barrow, winning 66-4 after overcoming an early deficit. Despite falling behind to a try in the first minute by Vanessa Temple, Leeds quickly regained control, with Ebony Stead and Sophie Nuttall both achieving hat-tricks. This strong showing by Leeds keeps them firmly in the title race as they sit in third place, showcasing the competitive nature of the league as teams vie for the championship title.
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