“THEY are starting to thrive,” insists York City Knight Ladies head coach Daryl North of his developing side as he lauded their growth and ever-improving performances.

Tomorrow (1pm) the Knights return to Women’s Super League action when they travel to Wigan Warriors following last week’s 68-0 Challenge Cup thrashing of Widnes.

North has hailed last Sunday’s home win as the best showing of the season and is likely to name a similar side tomorrow to the one that so impressed against the Vikings - including former GB international Bev Langan, who has come out of retirement.

He said: “Bev had a good 50-to-60-minute stint on the field and did more than enough to keep her place against Wigan.

“She’s determined and she will give her all. Her focus is on the team and wanting to win. Her fitness isn’t there yet, having spent time out with injury, but you don’t lose that attitude.

“It’s quite exciting for us – the team gets bigger and better and the performances are getting better.

“What we’re always looking for from the girls is an improvement every week.

“The first three games were a bit sketchy but the Featherstone game at Bootham Crescent was a massive improvement, then Widnes was the best performance this year.

“When we first started there were a few tears from the girls, thinking they weren’t good enough and they weren’t ready, but they’re growing in confidence and stature and they’re starting to thrive.

“Results have gone against us but they’re still embracing it and doing as well as they can.

"If we go to Wigan with the same attitude as against Widnes, we can give them a good go.”

Prop forward Abbi Carter is out through illness but star centre Kayleigh Waller will return.