SAINTS STAR EBONI POLISHES OFF RHINOS
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EBONI PARTINGTON scored twice to help Saints seal the Women’s Challenge Cup final for the second year running.
The champions – who had not conceded a single point in the previous five rounds – were given a tough battle by the Rhinos.
But as the celebrations began, coach Derek Hardman was already setting his sights on more success. Saints won a historic treble last year and Hardman said: “That’s one in the bag again, so let’s now try and get the other two.”
Almost 6,000 fans watched the final at Elland Road and Hardman saluted the Saints supporters.
As the Rhinos launched a late rally, ‘When the Saints go marching in’ rang out and Hardman said: “Leeds had a set on our line but that singing by our fans helped us for sure.”
Woman of the match Zoe Hornby struck for Leeds with a 15th-minute try. But Saints ramped up the pressure with Partington’s two tries, while Leah Burke and Jodie Cunningham also crossed.
Hornby admitted: “We didn’t get what we wanted but it gives us confidence to tear it up in the league.”