In a decisive Betfred Women's Super League play-off semi-final at AMT Headingley Stadium, York Valkyrie secured a 12-0 victory over Leeds Rhinos, booking their place in the Grand Final. York will now face Wigan Warriors, the reigning Women's Super League champions, in the final on September 27. York’s win was built on tries from Liv Wood and Adaoha Akwiwu, with Tara-Jane Stanley adding two crucial goals. Leeds had previously dominated their regular-season encounters against York, particularly at home, but came into this match on a four-game losing streak. That poor form clearly affected their performance, as they struggled to match York’s intensity and control throughout the game. York, on the other hand, maintained dominance for most of the match, with Wood scoring the first try by forcing her way through three defenders. Tara-Jane Stanley played a pivotal role in York’s success, both with her kicking and her playmaking. Her conversions and a penalty kick gave York a halftime lead of 12-0. In the second half, Leeds attempted a comeback, but York’s defense held strong. A disallowed try for Stanley due to a knock-on and a denied score for Megan Pakulis highlighted Leeds’ struggles. Meanwhile, York’s Georgia Elliston had a try disallowed for obstruction by a teammate, but the momentum remained with York. A key moment came when Stanley passed to Akwiwu for York’s second try, extending their lead. Leeds’ hopes for a late rally were dashed when Ebony Stead fumbled the ball as she attempted to score. The final whistle blew with York holding on to a 12-0 victory. However, York faces a challenge ahead as Stanley, who had returned from a two-year injury absence and contributed to four of their last five wins, will miss the Grand Final after failing a head injury assessment.