St Helens withstood a powerful second-half fightback from Leeds Rhinos to arrange a Problem Cup remaining reprise in opposition to outdated foes Wigan Warriors.
Saints appeared to be cruising into the Wembley showpiece on Might 30. They had been 24-0 up after 50 minutes as Erin McDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin and Emily Rudge all scored tries, with Gaskin impeccable on the conversions.
Leeds lastly discovered their ft after a poor first half as Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright and Olivia Whitehead hit again with tries to present Lois Forsell’s aspect hope.
The comeback was merely not quickly sufficient, nevertheless, and McDonald’s second attempt eliminated any lingering doubt that Saints would face Wigan in a repeat of final yr’s one-sided remaining, which the Warriors received 42-6.
Wigan had been in ruthless temper as they thrashed York Valkyrie on Saturday, however Saints rapidly stamped their very own persona on the second semi-final, held on the Eco-Energy Stadium in Doncaster.
McDonald was too highly effective for a Leeds defence which lacked perception and conviction within the first 40 minutes, and the attempt inflicted the primary factors the Rhinos have conceded within the competitors this season.
Saints defence, against this, was distinctive, their finest second being Rachael Woosey’s excellent try-saving sort out on Whitehead, who additionally misplaced management of the ball when offered with one other likelihood a couple of minutes later.
Gaskin’s delicate kick despatched Harris by way of for an additional Saints attempt, and the half-time pep speak for the rattled Rhinos fell flat as Gaskin burst by way of three tackles and added the conversion for a private tally of 14 factors.
Leeds lastly discovered their rhythm, their huge pack making good yards, and dominated the final half-hour as Boyd pressured her manner over, Enright completed off the very best passing transfer of the match, and extra fast fingers left Whitehead free to attain broad out.
Mel Howard solely kicked certainly one of her three conversion makes an attempt to make sure that the comeback was too little, too late, and McDonald powered over to finish the rating two minutes from time.
