Giants Nil Sorry Tigers

Huddersfield Giants 22-0 Castleford Tigers

Huddersfield 22 (6)
Tries: Ellis, Ta’ai, Murphy, McGillvary
Goals: Brough (3)

Castleford 0 (0)

Match Review

Huddersfield ran in four unanswered tries to seal a comprehensive victory over an uncharacteristic Castleford side.

A try from Jamie Ellis was the only difference between the teams going into the break, but second half scores from Ukuma Ta’ai, Aaron Murphy and Jermaine McGillvary gave the home-side a comfortable win.

In a game full of penalties and handling errors, there was little to separate the sides in the first half with few chances created. Joe Wardle looked to have forced his way over the line for Huddersfield on 16 minutes but lost control of the ball as he tried to put it down.

It was only on the stroke of half time that the deadlock was broken. Jamie Ellis deceived the Castleford defence with a dummy before running 20 metres and making his way over against his former club. Danny Brough converted to give the Giants a narrow 6-0 half-time lead.

Paul Anderson’s men started the second period as they finished the first and were rewarded just three minutes after the interval through a try from Ukuma Ta’ai. The Giants forward received a short pass from Brough before storming his way past three helpless Cas defenders.

A failed drop-goal attempt from Brough on 59 minutes indicated that the Giants did not feel secure with just a two-try advantage. Their opportunity to extend the lead came just three minutes later as Aaron Murphy slid over in the corner. Brough missed the conversion, but a penalty moments later ensured the Scotland international made the scoreline 18-0.

Even with the win secured, Huddersfield did not slack off in defence during the game’s final stages. Leroy Cudjoe forced a goal-line drop out by single-handedly tackling Luke Dorn at ease in the in-goal area. Minutes later, Murphy forced James Clare into touch, exemplifying the defensive effort from the Giants and ensuring they nullified their opposition.

A late try from man of the match Jermaine McGillvary in the corner sealed a 22-0 win.

After a slow start to the season, Huddersfield have now recorded back-to-back wins and move up to fifth in the table. Castleford were unable to match their efforts from last weekend’s memorable 42-14 win over Wigan and remain in the bottom four.