Huddersfield Giants ended a run of 12 successive Super League defeats with a spirited victory at York Knights, although they were almost denied by a York comeback in the closing minutes. It was only Huddersfield's third Super League win of the season, and two of those victories have come against York.
Zac Woolford's try had put Huddersfield 24-10 in front with 10 minutes left to play, but Jordan Thompson and Tom Inman touched down in quick succession to cut the Giants' lead to two points. However, the visitors held firm for the final four minutes to secure their first win since beating the same opponents on 4 April and a first victory under Jim Lenihan, who was appointed as head coach in May.
How did Huddersfield build the lead?
Tui Lolohea played an important role for the Giants, scoring a try himself and setting up scores for Lewis Jagger and Connor Wrench. Converted scores by Wrench and Woolford looked to have put Huddersfield on course for a comfortable win, but York's quick double caused some late nerves before the final hooter.
David Nofoaluma had touched down Paul McShane's lofted kick to open the scoring for York and Scott Galeano crossed soon after Lolohea's try to cut the Knights' deficit to 12-10.
The match finished with the Giants holding on after York had threatened a late turnaround in front of their home support.
What were the scoring details?
For York, the tries came from Nofoaluma, Galeano, Thompson and Inman, with Bennison kicking three goals. For Huddersfield, the tries came from Jagger, Lolohea, Wrench and Woolford, with Flanagan kicking four goals.
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Who was named in the teams?
York: Mata'afa; Bennison, Galeano, Williams, Nofoaluma; Hunter, McShane; Thompson, Inman, Va'a, Wood, Field, Hingano.
Interchanges: Balmforth, Vaughan, Martin, Foster.
Huddersfield: Evalds; Flanagan, Wrench, Gagai, Jagger; Rush, Lolohea; Patolo, Woolford, Rogers, Hewitt, Dunford, Rushton.
Interchanges: King, Greenwood, Cozza, Geyer.
Key Facts
- Huddersfield ended a run of 12 successive Super League defeats.
- It was Huddersfield's first win since beating York on 4 April.
- Jim Lenihan secured his first victory as Huddersfield head coach after being appointed in May.
- The Giants led 24-10 with 10 minutes left before York closed to within two points.
- Huddersfield's three tries and four goals helped secure the win at York Knights.
