Huddersfield Giants battled to victory over fellow strugglers London Broncos, winning 24-19 at the John Smith’s Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
Kieran Dixon kicked two goals and Jay Pitts crossed as the visitors raced into an 8-0 lead but the Giants battled their way in, courtesy of tries from Alex Mellor and Scott Grix before half time.
The game constantly ebbed and flowed, with neither side able to get a firm grip on proceedings and with tension rife in the air, it was easy to see why both sides languish low in the Super League table.
Both showed why they believe they will still be in England’s premier competition next year. Rhys Williams raced away to put the Broncos back in front before Jermaine McGillvary went over for the hosts as the match began to really hot up.
There was a lengthy stoppage with the scores tied at 18-18 when Huddersfield’s Jordan Turner had to be stretchered from the pitch with a suspected neck injury after a heavy collision.
When the game resumed, Matt Frawley missed a drop-goal attempt for the hosts before Morgan Smith landed his own effort to give the visitors the lead once more.
Eventually, Huddersfield, or rather McGillvary, ground out the result. After Ryan Morgan’s try and a Smith drop-goal gave London the lead, Giants’ top scorer McGillvary stepped up once again to send his team eighth as a second defeat over the Easter period keeps London at the bottom of the Super League table.
FOUR POINTERS
McGillvary is key for Giants
If it wasn’t known before, Huddersfield’s fate lies in the hands of Jermaine McGillvary. If the England winger turns up, his side always stand a chance and they will need him to step forward throughout the campaign.
Broncos need to improve
With three or four sides deep in the mire, it is impossible to call which club will be relegated to the Championship later in the year, but one thing is for sure: if London want to survive, they have to improve fast.
Huddersfield should be fine
Barring a catastrophe, the Giants should be home and hosed well before crunch time at the foot of the division. Unless mass injuries hit them for what must be a record time, Huddersfield will be in Super League next season.
Golden Point makes every game interesting
Although not needed this afternoon, golden point really has stirred things up. Since the introduction of the new format, teams have attacked and kicked more than ever, thus creating exciting rugby league across the country. Let’s hope for more.
THE RESULT
Huddersfield Giants 24
Tries: Mellor, Grix, McGillvary 2
Goals: Russell 4
Drop Goals: n/a
London Broncos 19
Tries: Pitts, Williams, Morgan
Goals: Dixon 2
Drop Goals:ย Smith
SQUADS
Huddersfield:ย Grix, McGillvary, Turner, J. Wardle, I. Senior, Russell, Frawley, Clough, O’Brien, Matagi, J. Wardle, Mellor, Lawrence.
Interchanges:ย Leeming, Murphy, English, Ta’ai.
London:ย Walker, Dixon, Morgan, Fleming, Williams, Smith, Cunningham, Butler, Pelissier, Battye, Pitts, Gee, Yates.
Interchanges:ย Ioane, Richards, Adebiyi, Davis.
