Saints edge out York to return to top of Women's Super League

Leah Burke's two first-half tries proved decisive for St Helens

Betfred Women's Super League

St Helens (10) 10

Tries: Burke (2) Goals: Gaskin

York Valkyrie (6) 6

Tries: Wilton Goals: Stanley

St Helens went back to the top of the Women's Super League table after a closely fought win over reigning champions York Valkyrie at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Saints claimed a ninth successive victory in all competitions and gained revenge over Valkyrie, who beat them in the opening league match of the season in April.

Returning winger Leah Burke shone in a dominant first 20 minutes for Saints, with two tries in three minutes, opening up a 10-point lead early on.

However, Valkyrie slowly came back into the match and a converted Remi Wilton try cut the deficit to four points at half-time.

In a scoreless second half, Saints wasted several opportunities, leading to a nervy finale.

Valkyrie pressure in the final 10 minutes proved to be fruitless as Saints' scrambled defence saw them home to regain top spot from Leeds Rhinos.

St Helens: Salihi, Woosey, E. Stott, McColm, Burke, Harris, Gaskin, Whitfield, Jones, Crowl, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham.

Interchanges: D. Stott, Birchall, Mottershead.

York Valkyrie: Stanley, Kershaw, Roberts, Owen, Partington, Wilton, Eastwood, Sharp, Hetherington, Bell, Taylor, Andrade, Pakulis.

Interchanges: Gentles, Wood, Parker.