CATALANS Goddesses flew into the unknown and departed triumphantly as they stole the show at the Women’s Super League Nines yesterday.
The French champions has played only very limitedly against foreign opposition in the past and didn’t know how they would fair in a tough group that included famous UK clubs Wigan, Hull and Wakefield.
But the sister team of Catalans Dragons swept all before them in Pool C, scoring the first try of the tournament on the way to a 35-0 win over Hull, claiming the prized scalp of Wigan 18-10 and wrapping up with a 33-4 success over Trinity.
The French girls, coached by World Cup-winning wheelchair player Cyril Torres, were one of five sides to qualify for the finals at AJ Bell Stadium on July 24. A sixth Wild Card entrant is yet to be confirmed, as has the method for choosing that team.
In Group B, Leeds Rhinos were undefeated as they beat Featherstone Rovers 36-0, Warrington Lunas 32-0 and London Broncos 18-4. The Broncos were a noteworthy performer in this group, winning all other matches.
Also undefeated and straight through to the play-offs were York City Knights, who did not concede a point. In Group E, they eclipsed Bradford Bulls 26-0. Leigh Miners 8-0 and Cardiff Demons 26-0.
The two remaining Groups, A and D, were close-run affairs.
Warrington Wolves and St Helens played out the only draw of the tournament, 17-17, which meant 13-a-side heavyweights Saints progressed on points difference only with the home team also undefeated.
And Group D came down to a final pool match to decide the winner, Huddersfield Giants triumphing 24-14 over Salford Red Devils.
The afternoon also featured three ‘Inspiration Sessions’ for women’s rugby league practitioners, a live DJ … and burgers sold by Warrington legend Ben Westwood!
Barrow Raiders 24 Bristol Golden Ferns 4
Warrington Wolves 17 St Helens 17
Warrington Wolves 29 Bristol Golden Ferns 0
St Helens 40 Bristol Golden Ferns 0
Warrington Wolves 14 Barrow Raiders 4
Leeds Rhinos 36 Featherstone Rovers 0
London Broncos 27 Warrington Lunas 0
London Broncos 15 Featherstone Rovers 8
Leeds Rhinos 32 Warrington Lunas 0
Leeds Rhinos 18 London Broncos 4
Featherstone Rovers 51 Warrington Lunas 0
Deesseses Catalanes 35 Hull FC 0
Wigan Warriors 33 Wakefield Trinity 0
Wakefield Trinity 25 Hull FC 10
Deesseses Catalans 33 Wakefield Trinity 4
Salford Red Devils 31 Oulton Raidettes 21
Huddersfield Giants 31 Castleford 6
Huddersfield Giants 25 Oulton Raidettes 11
Salford Red Devils 26 Castleford Tigers 4
Oulton Raidettes 12 Castleford Tigers 4
Huddersfield Giants 24 Salford Red Devils 14
Cardiff Demons 19 Leigh Miners 4
York City Knights 26 Bradford Bulls 0
Cardiff Demons 29 Bradford Bulls 0
York City Knights 8 Leigh Miners 0
