LINDSAY ANFIELD admitted that she never envisaged winning a major trophy so quickly after York City Knights Ladies secured the League Leaders’ Shield in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

York won major 13-a-side silverware for the first time in their history after beating title rivals Leeds Rhinos 22-14 at Headingley Stadium.

The capture of the Shield comes just 16 months after Anfield’s arrival as director of rugby alongside a string of top talent, transforming the Knights’ fortunes from second-bottom of the BWSL to trophy winners.

Asked whether she expected such success so soon into her reign, Anfield: “No, not at all, you never know how a move like that is going to play out.

“Luckily, it’s panned out really well and that’s got to be down to the ambition of the club and the support they’ve given me. That’s been massive.

“The (new) girls have come in, a lot of them travelling a long way to play for York and they’ve shown a massive amount of commitment.

“Hopefully days like this make it worth it for them.

“All those nights sat in the car and all the training on the own they do and any moaning they may do to their families, days like today make it all worth it.

“I think I’ve learned through my experiences as a player and a coach, if you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point?

“These girls love their rugby and they showed out there how much they want to win.”

Heading into this season, York were ranked as third-favourites behind the much-fancied Leeds and St Helens, the latter having won the treble last year.

“We didn’t even put anything on this season,” Anfield conceded.

“We just said going into this year, with loads of fresh faces and a new team, the number one goal is to improve each player, improve as a team and enjoy the season.

“And if we pick up a trophy off the back of it, amazing.”

14 of York’s 22 points were scored by stand-out player Tara Stanley.

The full-back scored three conversions and two tries, including an incredible solo effort late in the first half when she stepped through the Leeds line and reached out to score from a standing start 10m out.

“She’s been massive on and off the field, especially with what she brings in terms of experience and her skillset,” enthused Anfield.

“She’s always dangerous, whether she’s 20m out from the opponent’s line or 20m out from her own line,” the York boss laughed.

“She’s been huge for us. She’s got her eyes on the World Cup, she needs to be in good form for that and hopefully she’ll be there.”