The second game on Grand Finals day saw Wigan St Patricks run out 15-14 winners against Normanton Knights in the Shield Final. Normanton came out firing when, following a superb attacking move, Dani Rose raced over out wide, Katie Hepworth added the conversion 0-6.
Leigh Miners then enjoyed a strong spell, making good inroads but the Normanton defence was proving difficult to breach. Robyn Birchall went close to scoring but a last ditch tackle meant she was just short of the line and Normanton were able to relieve the pressure.
Wigan continued to dominate possession and on the 30 minute mark they had a penalty in front of the posts and opted to take the points, Sarah Harrison (player of the match) was on target 2-6.
Normanton were able to extend their lead before the break, Katie Hepworth ran a superb line and coasted around the defence to score, the conversion fell just short 2-10.
Half time Wigan 2 Normanton 10.
Normanton came out on the attack; a scything break from Beth Weir resulted in a penalty, Normanton chose to kick at goal but the attempt was wide.
Wigan scored their first try of the match soon afterwards, a half break from Sarah Harrison created space for Charlotte Foley to cut back inside and score under the posts 8-10.
With 15 minutes to go Wigan took the lead for the first time in the match, from a penalty Katie Dean powered through the defensive line and crossed the whitewash, Sarah Harrison added the goal 14-10.
The game was proving to be a real nail biter, there was still time for Normanton to come back, the ball was moved quickly down the line and Normanton’s Chloe Brown exploited the overlap to level the scores at 14-14.
The score remained at 14-14 to the full time whistle and so the match was now going to be won by the golden point. The first chance to win the match went to Wigan when they set up for a drop goal but the ball fell just short.
But just a few seconds later Wigan had the win, Charlotte Foley landed a drop goal in front of the sticks to seal the win for her side 15-14 in a truly thrilling final. Wigan St Patricks 15 Normanton Knights 14.
Report by Rebecca Bird/Women’s Rugby League
Teams:
Wigan St Patricks
- Armani Sharrock
- Chloe Myers
- Robyn Birchall
- Holly Roper
- Beckie Blackburn
- Sarah Harrison
- Joenie Aspin
- Jo Trumble
- Emma Dwyer
- Milaina Bretherton
- Claire Mulleney
- Gemma Hennesey
- Charlotte Foley
Substitutions
- Michelle Woodcock
- Katie Dean
- Simone Ashurst
- Gillian Aspin
- Beth Batchelore
- Nicole Marsh
Tries
Charlotte Foley
Katie Dean
Conversions
Sarah Harrison 2
Penalties
Sarah Harrison
Drop Goal
Charlotte Foley
Normanton Knights
- Katie Hepworth
- Dani Rose
- Elland Lamb
- Danielle Monks
- Leah Cottler
- Lucy Eastwood
- Marie Colley
- Beth Weir
- Sam Jordan
- Claire Barnes
- Kirsty Nicholson
- Sammy Watts
- Chloe Brown
Substitutions
14.Maisie Birdsall
- Leanne Allen
16.Donna Horan
Tries
Dani Rose
Katie Hepworth
Chloe Brown
Conversions
Katie Hepworth
Penalties
Half time score
Wigan 2 Normanton 10
Final score
Wigan St Patricks 15 Normanton Knights 14
Player of the match
Sarah Harrison (Wigan St Patricks)
