Hull record 22 unanswered points in the second half as they get a second win of the season against the Huddersfield Giants.
MATCH DETAILS
Huddersfield played host to Hull FC in miserable conditions and the side looked like they may get off the mark this season as they led 8-6 at half time. However, a resilliant Hull side were able to dominate the second half to make it back to back away victories.
It was a tense affair with Huddersfield having the better field position, but Joe Westerman broke the deadlock on his 300th career match. Westerman showed his ingenuity as he lost possession of the ball; however he was able to kick the ball and followed up by sliding over the line.
The Giants struck back not long after. A move from right to left found the Hull defence scattered and Darnell McIntosh ran through the open gap to level the scores. A penalty before the end of the half saw Huddersfield go into the break with a two point lead.
There was concern at the break for Hull, as former Giant Jake Connor stayed down from the final play of the half. He walked off the field and returned for the second half, but was unable to continue and only played 30 seconds of the second half.
Only five minutes after half time, Westerman crossed for his second and Hull looked to be in control. That was confirmed when Marc Sneyd’s pass found Ratu Naulago in the corner and the Fijian scored his third try in two matches.
Huddersfield never tested the Hull defence in the second half and they were unable to hold Hull out again. Josh Griffin captalised on Scott Grix’s knock on. Then with two minutes to go, a neat inside kick by Sneyd was grounded in the in goal area by Griffin. Griffin attempted to convert his try from right in front of the sticks; however he struck the post, leaving the score at 28-8 to the visitors.
The defeat leaves Huddersfield rooted to the bottom of the table.
FOUR POINTERS
Injury to Jake Connor
Jake Connor suffered what looked to be a knee injury at the end of the first half. He did return for the second half, but with a heavily strapped knee. The club will be hoping it isn’t serious, especially as they have players returning and look a stronger side.
Lack of leadership
Huddersfield look like they could stay towards the bottom end of the table all season as they don’t seem to have any leadership. Losing Danny Brough in the off-season was a huge blow, not just what he offers in attack but his experience. If the Giants are to start winning, they need to have someone taking charge.
Westerman looking like former self
Joe Westerman has impressed since returning to Hull, with him being a crucial part of the Hull side. Westerman has proved key at attacking the line as he offers a good running game, along with his ball handling skills. He was voted Hull’s man of the match which was deserved. His two tries capped off a good performance in his 300th career appearance.
Hard fixtures for Giants
The defeat makes it difficult for Giants fans to be positive as they have no points after four matches. They’ve not got any easy fixtures with an away trip to Wigan on Friday, followed by a home match against St Helens. Simon Woolford’s side look like they could be struggling and unable to get a possible victory for a while.
THE RESULT
Huddersfield Giants 8
Tries: McIntosh
Goals:ย Russell 2
Drop Goals: n/a
Hull FC 28
Tries: Westerman (2), Naulago, Griffin (2)
Goals: Sneyd 4
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Huddersfield Giants: McIntosh, McGillvary, Turner, Frawley, Leeming, Matagi, Murphy, Mellor, Lawrence, Ta’ai, Wardle, Grix, Russell.
Interchanges: O’Brien, English, Roche, Walne.
Hull FC: Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Houghton, Minichiello, Westerman, Connor, Matongo, Manu, Paea, Naulago.
Interchanges: Hadley, Thompson, Lane, Ellis.
