Image source, SWPix

The odds were against York Valkyrie in a big way, today.

Up against a team in St Helens that had swept all before them in 2024, but they played the game and the conditions to perfection.

Grand Finals are tough and the Valkyrie recognised that. Now they can celebrate a fantastic victory.

Thanks for joining us to enjoy this cracking game of women's rugby league.

We'll rest up and after that and gear up for another enticing prospect, the men's Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.

Let's hope you can join us for that next Saturday.

York Valkyrie player Kelsey Gentles told Sky Sports: "It's so good. I can't believe I got it down (for her try).

"What a game, we knew that St Helens would bring it. We've had loads of adversity this season. We were written off but we were happy to be underdogs for this one.

(On being a mum and playing rugby league) "It's been hard, I've felt like quitting at times, but this makes it all the sweeter."

One of York's star players, Tara-Jane Stanley, is awaiting a knee operation and has been on TV duties today, but she's a firm part of the celebrations as the Valkyrie lift the trophy.

It has not been easy for York to retain this title, but they've done it.

Those players look ready for a good night!

Image source, SWPix

York Valkyrie head coach Lindsay Anfield told Sky Sports: "This is huge. The big three in the women's game, St Helens, Leeds, Wigan, they've got everything they need to push on.

"We're a small club, we're trying to put it on the map. Hopefully this can help attract girls and women in the area to play this game."

Armani Sharrock
Warrington Wolves Women head coach on BBC Radio Merseyside

York did the unthinkable today.

I really feel like they came to play and that's the cruel nature of sport. Saints have been the best in the game for a full season but it comes down to those small margins and York have turned up today.

It's meant so much to York for how tough they've had to do it this year.

Saints were fantastic and they turned up for each other but they just couldn't execute in those moments and York took advantage on the back of it.

York are deserved winners.

One of York Valkyrie's stars of today was Kelsey Gentles, who scored that cricial try in the second half.

She has been celebrating on the field with her little daughter. Remember Kelsey got married last week, she scored a try in the semi-final and today.

What a time for mum!

Gemma Kay
Former York Valkyrie player on BBC Radio York

History makers.

Absolutely amazing, I'm so happy for the girls, they've done it so tough this season.

They were wrote out of this competition earlier on this season.

It means so much to win this trophy again.

York are so resilient and I take my hat off to Lindsay Anfield because she is one of the coaches that will go down in history in this game.

York Valkyrie full-back and Player of the match Georgie Hetherington told Sky Sports: "I'm lost for words, I'm so emotional. I don't deserve this.

"Everyone wrote us off this season. Don't write off the Valkyrie. We'll come back and get you."

York Valkyrie hoist coach Lindsay Anfield on their shoulders as they go over to celebrate with their families and supporters.

Absolutely deserved as they put in a huge performance to win this one.

They finished third in the league, won away to Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final and defeated Saints on their own patch here.

Outstanding effort from a champion side.

Image source, SWPix

Glory for York Valkyrie!!

They become the first team to retain the Women's Super League title!

What an outstanding performance from the women in yellow and black, especially in those second 40 minutes.

York have the ball and have this one under control now.

60 seconds to go.

York have the ball and they are yards from the St Helens line.

They are two minutes from glory.

Erin Stott drops another massive high kick from a York boot.

That is where this game has been won and lost.

It's the last tackle and Faye Gaskin, in her final game before retirement, knocks on from a ball at her feet.

Is that the game for York?

Gemma Kay
Former York Valkyrie player on BBC Radio York

St Helens will go up a gear.

This is when they are so dangerous in games when there is not a lot of time left on the clock and in the position that they're in.

St Helens have the ball, but they are in their own half.

They have to score TWO tries.

Zoe Harris floats a pass out wide, more in hope than expectation.

York winger Eboni Partington tries to intercept and fails. Can Phoebe Hook gather it safely?

No, she knocks on. It has not been Hook's day in this match.

This match is being watched by 4,813 in St Helens, a record for the Women's Super League final.

Those present are being treated to what you want from a final - tough, uncompromising rugby league with the match still to be decided in the final few minutes.

York are still in their own half on the last tackle but they are handed a big advantage when St Helens' Tara Jones is guilty of a high tackle.

A penalty and a chance to work the ball up the field.

Into the last 10 minutes.

St Helens have penned York deep in their own territory. They need something pretty special to win this from here.