There were mixed fortunes for our sponsored players yesterday (Sunday 26 September), as Kelsey Gentles’ York City Knights Ladies and Danni Wyatt’s Torquay United Women saw first-half leads slip away.
Despite a hugely impressive display, the underdog Knights lost their Women’s Super League semi-final to favourites Leeds Rhinos, while United held on to a 2-2 tie at Forest Green in the South West Women’s Premier League.
Kelsey on her way to scoring a try
After earlier scores from Olivia Wood and Emma Hardy, Kelsey scored the try that gave York a 14-4 half-time lead in the televised match, shown live on Sky Sports.
But Rhinos, inspired by captain Courtney Winfield-Hill, fought back after the break. And, despite a further try from Emma, it ended 22-18 to Leeds, meaning they will face St Helens in next month’s grand final.
Kelsey told us: “I’m so proud to share the pitch with these girls – we’ve come so far in such a short time. This was a disappointing result, but I know we have so much to look forward to in the future with this squad.”
Meanwhile, Torquay United Women went 2-0 up in the first half at Forest Green Rovers. Ellie Bishop scored the first, calmly finishing a rebound from the keeper after Danni’s shot from a Beth Everson cross.
The second goal came from a long-rang free kick, which Ocean Latto looped high, deceiving the keeper and bouncing over her head into the net.
Danni: ‘We fought to the end’
But the Gloucestershire team fought back in the second half and made it 2-2.
“We fought to the end and were the stronger side, taking the better chances,” said Danni. “But we couldn’t get the final ball in, with efforts from Ellie, me and Beth in the last 20 minutes. Happy to come home with a point and our journey continues!”
Rugby photos by Andy Nelson Sports Photography.
Soccer photos by Tim Badger Photos.
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