30 Aug 2019

GIANTS GRAB GIANT WIN

Huddersfield Giants 22-12 Hull FC

With the fate of both clubs still well within their own grasps, this was a crucial affair between two sides that are fighting for the complete opposite reasons. After Salford’s impressive win, Hull were hanging onto the top 5 by a thread, whereas Huddersfield’s woes have been well documented and an important win would propel them away from the chasing pack, and It was the latter that would take the spoils in a pulsating test of defences.

Chances came early for the Giants, when McIntosh broke but couldn’t get the pass away to send McGillvary in for the try. Heads may have dropped when Shaul scored from a well weighted Logan kick, but the Giants were ready for a fight and replied just eight minutes later, when good work from the halves gave McGillvary a one-on-one chance against Faraimo. Jermaine found his stepping boots and found the try line.

Huddersfield fans were up again five minutes later when the defence stood strong for the first time. From the resulting turnover, Huddersfield pushed downfield and a cross-field kick from Gaskell gave Murphy a chance to leap, collect and score for the away side.

But the Giants were to go in behind at half-time when Shaul found space, and a wonderful pass, to send his winger over. Faraimo the happy recipient of the pass and the try. A 50/50 half ended with the scores close to evens.

HT

FC 12-10 Giants

One might have been expected a frantic half of rugby from both sides, but it was more a case of one attack verses one defence, and the defence came out on top in the first twenty-five minutes of the half, with Huddersfield’s goal-line defence as good as it’s been all season. Set after set seemed to roll the way of the black and whites, but the claret and gold outfit shut up shop with some great work from Frawley and Senior on the lefthand side, on more than one occasion.

When the chance finally came for the Giants to attack the FC line, the chance was always likely to be taken. Senior found space and faced up against his opposite number, and just like McGillvary in the first half, found the try line.

Frawley topped off a fine defensive performance by getting his name on the scoresheet, which all but confirmed a well overdue win, and exceptional all round performance for the away side.

When Hull continued to press, with just minutes and seconds remaining, the Giants line stood strong, and continued to show the desire and attitude to get the result and the security of a two point gap above relegation.

A trip to St. Helens awaits, and a win will all but confirm Super League status.

FT

FC 12-22 Giants

Huddersfield Giants

Starting XIII: McIntosh, L Senior, Wardle, Murphy, McGillvary, Gaskell, Frawley, Matagi, O’Brien, Clough, Mellor, Ta’ai, Lawrence

Replacements: Leeming, Hewitt, Kirby, Wilson

Tries: McGillvary (20’), Murphy (25’), L. Senior (67’), Frawley (73’)

Goals: Gaskell (25’, 68’, 73’)

Set Completion: 25/33

Hull FC

Starting XIII: Shaul, Faraimo, Buchanan, Tuimavave, Logan, Connor, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Paea, Lane, Manu, Westerman

Replacements: Bowden, Fash, Ellis, Satae

Tries: Shaul (12’), Faraimo (30’)

Goals: Sneyd (13’, 31’)

Set Completion: 21/31 

Partners

Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner