DERBY DAY DELIGHT FOR THE GIANTS

Huddersfield Giants returned to winning ways as they defeated Leeds Rhinos 21-12 at the John Smith's Stadium.

Joe Greenwood and Will Pryce returned to the 18 on Derby Day, as we looked to defeat Leeds Rhinos at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The game got off to a flyer, as Jake Connor took advantage of a loose pass which left the Rhinos defence at sixes and sevens, and he looped the pass out which sent Sam Halsall in at the corner.

Olly Russell adding the extras, with another score coming soon after.

As Leeds’ ill-discipline cost them, we marched up the field and as Kevin Naiqama was wrapped up by three Rhinos defenders, he reached out with an arm and scored, with the tackle not being complete.

The first half got even better for the Giants, with Ash Handley fumbling a kick from Tui Lolohea, who then chased his own kick and scored, with inches to spare.

After some incessant pressure from the Giants, Leeds grew into the half and with seven minutes remaining, some slick play on the last tackle sent Luke Hooley through a gap to reduce the arrears to 16-6.

On the hooter, Ash Handley crossed in the corner, after Esan Marsters looked to had scored in the corner, he was adjudged to have lost the ball and Sam Hewitt was also sin binned.

The scores stood at 16-12 going into the break, with a poor last 10 minutes costing the Giants a healthy lead.

Ian Watson’s men wouldn’t let their heads drop, however as they charged into the second half with focus and determination.

As Leeds looked to take the lead, several offloads from the Rhinos saw the visitors charge through the Giants line, and have four successive sets close to the whitewash, but couldn’t find their way over, a forward pass halting their progress from Cameron Smith.

They came again however, and as Sam Halsall looked to stop Sam Lisone he was caught high and left the field for a HIA, but later returned.

With the game winding down, and with no real chances of note for the Giants, we were awarded a penalty which Will Pryce converted, making the scores 18-12.

Then, with four minutes remaining Jake Connor added a drop goal, making it 19-12 and pushing the Giants into a two-score lead, Ian Watson’s men with the two points in sight.

In Leeds’ haste to take the ball back, they went short with the kick off, but it was caught by Esan Marsters and we charged up field and were awarded a penalty, Will Pryce adding the two and securing the victory.

Final Score | Huddersfield Giants 21 – 12 Leeds Rhinos

Attendance - 6621 

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS – Jake Connor, Esan Marsters, Jake Bibby, Kevin Naiqama, Sam Halsall, Olly Russell, Tui Lolohea, Chris Hill, Adam Milner, Olly Wilson, Chris McQueen, Leroy Cudjoe, Luke Yates.

Interchanges – Will Pryce, Joe Greenwood, Seb Ikahihifo, Sam Hewitt. 18^th Man Oliver Wilson

TRIES

Sam Halsall, Kevin Naiqama, Tui Lolohea

GOALS

Olly Russell 2/3

PENALTY GOALS

Will Pryce 2/2

DROP GOALS

Jake Connor 1/1