Giants Women vs Barrow Raiders (Friendly) | Match Report

Huddersfield Giants Women kick off their 2024 with a 30-8 pre-season win over Barrow Raiders at Laund Hill.

Lori Halloran selected a fresh new line-up containing 6 unofficial debutants in her pre-season challenge against Amanda Wilkinson’s Barrow Raiders.

The Giants were on the attack from the word go. Sam Hulme set her side up beautifully with a pressure-applying kick that allowed some serious yardage gain. 

It didn’t take long for second-rower turned centre Ana Da Silva to breach the Barrow defence for the first 4-pointer of the game.

Frankie Townend’s boot from the sideline converted the try to put the Giants in the lead just 4 minutes in.

A scrappy set of play proceeded from both ends of the pitch, the referee routinely picking up on the unsquare Barrow markers and the Giants’ incorrect play of the ball.

Lois Naidole capitalised on an exposed gap down the edge and made a 70-metre sprint to ensure her efforts were rewarded. An easy conversion for Townend, allowing for a 12-point lead going into the first ‘quarter’.

What comes around goes around, Raiders winger Alice Rush pouncing down the right edge for the Cumbrian’s first try of the game. Jodie Litherland unable to find the same luck as Townend with the tee.

Just shy of half time, skipper Bethan Oates added her name to the scoresheet with a stylish serve around the Raiders. Townend’s ever-reliable boot rounded off the half 18-4.

Paige Webster followed suit scoring her first try since returning to rugby league, with returning Giant Chloe Fairbank crossing the line set up by a perfect Hulme kick.

Both were topped nicely by Frankie’s fine kick, which would be the final point-worthy action on a claret and gold front.

Claire Hutchinson in the 65th grabbed a consolation try for the visitors, unconverted, settling scores 30-8.

Lois Naidole was named Player of the Match after an impactful appearance at centre.

RESULT: 30-8 HALF TIME: 18-4

TRIES: Da Silva (4’), Naidole (17’), Oates (38’), Webster (58’), Fairbank (62’)

GOALS: Townend (5/5)

Giants Women: Amy Bennett, Allana Waller, Ana Da Silva, Lois Naidole, Becky Grady, Frankie Townend, Sam Hulme, Paige Webster, Bethan Oates ©, Chloe Fairbank, Jess Harrap, Kacy Haley, Katy Fisher. Subs: Megan Preston, Beth Armstrong, Georgia Hampshaw, Lauren Waller, Ellie Thompson.

Barrow Raiders: Michelle Larkin, Charlotte Todhunter, Shannon Parker, Claire Hutchinson, Sam Norman, Demi Fisher, Jodie Litherland, Kelly Friend, Beth Lindsay, Jodie Morley, Emily Stirzaker, Vanessa Temple, Kerrie-Ann Smith. Subs: Mia Dobson, Leah Cottier, Hannah Sherlock, India Jackson, Laura Mellen, Chloe Capstick, Fran Harley, Maddie Neale, Amy Sunderland, Jazz Callon, Emma Hutchinson, Alice Rush.