Huddersfield Giants gave a nervy performance tonight at the John Smith’s Stadium, but in the end it was enough to secure them a 24-12 victory against Widnes Vikings – their first in four outings this season.
But it was the Vikings who took the lead early in the game, when halfback Joe Mellor showed great footwork to get through the Giants defence, with Danny Tickle adding the goal for a six-point lead.
The Giants then had a try by Aaron Murphy disallowed for a forward pass, but they got on the scoreboard with as fortunate try when a kick rebounded from Manase Manuokafoa into the arms of Scott Grix, who touched won under the posts, giving Brough an easy conversion and putting the teams level at half-time.
Jermaine McGillvary scored a try in the corner early in the second half, and when as Brough break led to a try for Joe Wardle on 60 minutes things looked ominous for the Vikings at 14-6.
But they responded positively, and Manuokafoa barged his way over from close range, for Tickle to reduce the deficit to two points.
But the Giants were determined not to concede defeat for the fourth time this season, and they added late tries from Wardle and Eorl Crabtree to secure the victory.
A full report and photos from this game will feature in Monday’s Rugby League Express.
