Swinton Lionesses won their first ever trophy with a hard earned 12-4 victory over Salford Red Devils Women in the Challenge Shield.
Hosted at the Millennium Stadium, saw the Lionesses start quickly scoring first and taking the advantage in the final.
Lionesses captain Simpson scored in the right corner just before the defence could stop her in the 8th minute – Hayes was unable to convert following the try keeping the gap at four points.
And despite the early scoring, Swinton were put under pressure by the Red Devils who were unable to break down the determined Lionesses.
After a bad bounce of the ball for Swinton, the Reds were able to pull them into touch and start their next set only fifteen out.
It looked promising for a moment as Salford got right to the line, but a missed pass saw the ball fly over the right wing, preventing an equalising try.
Disappointingly for the Red Devils, their next close call on the left wing was also stopped short as they were pulled into touch just before the try line.
And with the two sides only separated by four points – both sides needed to put in strong performances once again to get their firsthand the trophy.
The second half started with the Lionesses going on the attack once again – Swinton managed to break through the Reds’ defence and shoot down the right wing but Anna Dennis was able to stop her.
However, her tackle was too high and Swinton were handed a penalty.
Off the back of this, Chloe Newbigging crossed in the left corner but her try was disallowed, leaving the scoreboard at 0-4.
And with the score still tight, the Lionesses continued to pressurise the Salford defence and were finally able to extend their lead through a penalty for offside in the 63rd minute. Emma Welsford converted to give the Lionesses a 6-0 lead.
One step closer to winning the competition, Swinton were quick to further extend their lead scoring again three minutes later.
A Salford Red Devils Women attack ended in a knock on, that allow two good runs by Beth Hayes and Abbie Singleton putting Amber Harmon through a gap.
Harmon was held up over the line before the ball was moved out to Shannon Stephens who crashed over to score under the posts. Welsford was able to convert once again and extend the lead to 12-0.
And with 10 minutes left in the fixture, it was going to take a valiant effort from the Red Devils Women to come back into the game.
However, in the 75th minute Swinton Lionesses defensive efforts were undone, as Salford were able to get back-to-back penalties allowing them to attack the line.
The leading side were able to hold them off for some time, however, the ball was eventually move out wide to Lauren Ellison who scored in the corner. Anna Dennis missed the conversion.
And with the final whistle sounding, the Lionesses were able to secure their first trophy and lifted the Challenge Shield together – winning 12-4.
Images provided by Swinton Lions RLFC and taken by MKS photography.
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