England Lions 20-24 Wales Women: First win for newly created Wales side

Wales Women secured an historic first ever victory with a 24-20 win over England Lions in St Helens.

It was only the second game played by the newly-created team following their 30-6 defeat by GB Teachers last month.

The Wales team has been set up with the long-term aim of qualifying for the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

England's touring senior side lost to Papua New Guinea the same day, but the Lions still fielded a side with plenty of Women's Super League experience.

Michelle Davis scored England's opening try but Wales responded through skipper Rafiuke Taylor.

With Wales awarding caps for this game, Taylor made history in becoming Wales' first female dual-code international having also played for the women's rugby union side.

England extended their advantage to 12-4 on 20 minutes after Leanne Harvey scored but Taylor scored a fantastic individual try for Wales.

Lions went into the break with a 16-10 lead after Emma Templeton scored in the corner but Wales opened the second half well with Zoe Lewis crossing for a try.

The hosts had a try disallowed before Wales took the lead for the first time through Shaunni Davies and their defence held firm.

Davies scored another try to put Wales eight points up and although Sarina Tamou scored an unconverted try in the corner with two minutes left, Wales held on for their historic victory.

Wales coach Craig Taylor had named a squad of 23 for the match with England Lions

England Lions: Michelle Davis (Warrington Wolves), Leanne Johnson (Leigh Miners Rangers), Olivia Cummins (Huddersfield Giants), Emma Templeton (Keighley Albion), Charlize Magraw (Widnes Vikings), Emily Stirzaker (Barrow Raiders), Mairead Quinn (Leigh Miners Rangers), Keira McCosh (Warrington Wolves), Isabel Biby (Huddersfield Giants), Rachael Barker (Stanningley), Rebekah Wilson (Warrington Wolves), Sarina Tamou (Widnes Vikings), Lauren Harvey (Cutsyke Raiders). Subs: Dani Bound (Warrington Wolves), Samantha Hulme (Whitley Bay Barbarians), Celia Farrimond (Leigh Miners Rangers), Paige Webster (West Leeds), Leah Cottier (Barrow Raiders).

Tries: Davis (3), Harvey (20), Templeton (39), Tamou (78)

Goals: Johnson 1/1, Davis 1/3

Wales: Kathryn Salter (Cardiff Blue Dragons, East Wales), Zoe Lewis (Rhondda Outlaws, East Wales), Rafiuke Taylor (c) (Cardiff Blue Dragons, West Wales), Seren Gough-Walters (Cardiff Blue Dragons), Savannah Ledsam (Cardiff Blue Dragons, West Wales), Shaunni Davies (Rhondda Outlaws, East Wales), Leanne Burnell (Cardiff Blue Dragons, West Wales), Emily Hughes (Cardiff Blue Dragons), Jess Wallington (Cardiff Blue Dragons), Vicky Lea (British Army, GB Armed Forces), Lauren Aitken (Cardiff Blue Dragons, West Wales), Rebecca Llewellyn Ennis (Cardiff Blue Dragons, West Wales), Megan Oaten (Rhondda Outlaws). Subs: Kim Jones (Cardiff Blue Dragons, East Wales), Charlie Mundy (Cardiff Blue Dragons, East Wales), Joeann McGuire (Rhondda Outlaws, East Wales), Rhian Stephens (Rhondda Outlaws, West Wales), Karla Benjamin (Rhondda Outlaws, East Wales).

Tries: Taylor (14, 25), Lewis (53), Davies (60, 72)

Goals: Salter 2/5

Referee: Sam Houghton

Att: 425