The Women's game in the UK had two divisions for the top clubs in 2023. As the women's game evolves, the need to restructure and adapt is necessary as will be the case in 2024. (The picture above is York v Leeds earlier in the season).
Group 1: The York Valkyrie were comfortable winners of the league, with Saints and the Rhinos the only sides to really challenge their dominance. York won the league in 2022 but failed to take out the grand final. Would they go one better in 2023?
Group 1 Playoffs: The Valkyrie took out their semifinal as expected while the other close encounter went the same way as last season. This put the two finalists from 2022 against each other again. This time it was York's turn to lift the trophy. They won the game decisively, leading 16-2 until the final 80th minute when Leeds got their only try.
Group 2: Featherstone won the league with Barrow Raiders second. Leigh was third and that trio was a cut above the other sides.
Group 2 Playoffs: With Featherstone assured of promotion, the remainder played off to see who would join them. There was a lot at stake with a restructuring for 2024 meaning Group 2 would no longer exist. The winner would go to Group 1 and the other sides would drop into a regional setup*.
Barrow comfortably defeated Bradford so no surprise there. The other, tighter encounter went the way of the favourite Leigh Leopards 28-10. The playoff final was a close affair, Barrow prevailing 14-8.
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