Women’s Super League: St Helens 12-28 Leeds Rhinos – Rhinos finished second

Leeds Rhinos moved up to second in the Women’s Super League with a 28-12 win at St Helens, leapfrogging their opponents in the process.

Connie Boyd got the Rhinos off to a strong start in the 12th minute with a power over down the left flank.

Three minutes before the break, Australian half-back Mel Howard cleared the ball to winger Ebony Stead, who headed in the visitors’ second try.

Rhinos extended their lead on the stroke of half-time as Stead full-back Ruby Enright looked to dive and once Howard slotted over the Rhinos went into half-time with a 16-point lead.

Howard got his name on the scoresheet after the break, receiving a low ball from fellow half-back Frankie Blakey to dot down the side of the sticks before converting his own try.

Saints finally got on the board as Rachel Woosey sent wing Dani McGifford away to score in the left corner and Faye Gaskin added the extra from the touchline with 13 minutes remaining.

And Saints threatened a comeback five minutes later when hooker Katie Mottershead powered over from close range.

But Rhinos extinguished those hopes moments later when Stead came down the wing and found Boyd inside him to score his second goal of the match to condemn Saints to their first league defeat.