The last time Valkyrie experienced defeat in a regular season Women’s Super League game was in July 2022, when they went down to St Helens.
Leeds have pushed them closer than most in that fine run since, spoiling what would have been a 100% regular season record last season with a 12-12 draw after beating them in the 2022 Grand Final – York’s last defeat in the competition as a whole.
They went unbeaten in 10 league games last season, won both play-off games to win the title and started this league season with wins over Saints and Barrow.
Valkyrie gave notice that they were intent on making it three wins from three this season, as they seek to become the first team to retain the title, when Partington finished a slick handling move and Tara Jane Stanley kicked the extras.
Leeds hit back as Hoyle made use of a Beevers break and offload, and with Enright converting and adding a penalty, Rhinos were 8-6 ahead at the break.
Beevers then scored for the third consecutive game and Enright again added the extras and a penalty that meant Owen’s late try was not enough.
