Huddersfield strengthen their survival chances after a gutsy 22-12 away win at Hull FC.
MATCH DETAILS
This was arguably one of the more important games of the weekend as Hull FC needed a win to help their play off chances, meanwhile Huddersfield needed the two points for their Super League survival.
Hull FC struck first thanks to Jamie Shaul. Hull went down the blind side with Jack Logan streaking clear, the Giants scrambled across to stop Logan, but the winger produced an inside kick for Shaul to ground.
Huddersfield struck back through Jermaine McGilvary, as the England international dived over in the corner. Lee Gaskell missed the conversion to leave the score at 6-4 in favour of the hosts.
Simon Woolford’s side had failed to score in two of their previous three matches, however those worries were quashed as his side took the lead in the 24th minute. Gaskell dinked a kick over the defence and Aaron Murphy rose above Kieron Buchanan with the Irish international forcing the ball down.
The Black and Whites regained the lead on the half hour point with Shaul turning provider. His side way run dragged defenders which left Bureta Faraimo in space and the Hull fullback, Shaul found Faraimo who touched down in the corner. Marc Sneyd converted to give the hosts a 12-10 lead at the interval.
The second half had few chances from either sides with at times a lack of quality from both sides and it seemed as if whoever scored next would win.
After 28 minutes of the second half, the first points were scored. Jake Connor knocked on to give Huddersfield a scrum close to the Hull line and Louie Senior capitalised to regain the lead for the Giants.
The two points were secured when Matt Frawley touched down under the sticks as Gaskell dabbed a kick behind the Hull defence.
Jubilation at full time for Huddersfield, meanwhile boos echoed round the KCOM from the home fans.
FOUR POINTERS
Huddersfield Safety
The win puts the West Yorkshire side a long way to safety. They current sit two points ahead of Hull KR and London with both sides having a game in hand. However, both of them sides meet each other next Friday in a game which you’d suggest the loser gets relegated.
Hull’s Poor Form Continues
Out of 15 home matches this year, Hull have only registered seven victories. In terms of the league it is five out of 13 which doesn’t suggest a side who deserve to be in the play-offs. A tough season for Lee Radford’s side.
Playoff Match For Hull
There are two Super League rounds before the playoffs, however Hull will feel like next week they have a playoff game. Sitting in fifth, two points ahead of Castleford who they face next week means whichever side wins will surely secure the final playoff spot. The sides meet on Thursday.
Two Points Secures Safety
Huddersfield due to their points difference only need two points, if results go against them. With St Helens and Catalans left to face it looks like the Giants will win their final match as Catalans will only have to play for pride.
THE RESULT
Hull FC 12
Tries: Shaul, Faraimo
Goals: Sneyd 2
Huddersfield 22
Tries: lMcGilvary, Murphy, Senior, Frawley
Goals: Gaskell 3
SQUADS
Hull FC: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Westerman, Connor, Manu, Lane, Paea, Logan, Buchanan
Interchanges: Fash, Ellis, Satae, Bowden
Huddersfield Giants: McIntosh, McGillvary, Gaskell, Frawley, Clough, Matagi, Murphy, Mellor, Lawrence, O’Brien, Ta’ai, Wardle, Senior
Interchanges:ย Leeming, Hewitt, Kirby, Wilson
