Huddersfield Giants managed to contain a second-half fightback by Castleford Tigers tonight at the Mend-a-Hose Jungle to register a 16-24 victory that retains their place in fourth place in the Super League table.
The Giants led 4-18 at half-time, but the Tigers had roared back into contention with tries from Ben Roberts and captain Michael Shenton to put them only two points behind after 65 minutes.
But Castleford, who suffered injury blows to Frankie Mariano, Ryan Bailey and Jordan Tansey, couldn’t maintain their momentum, and the Giants sealed victory when Eorl Crabtree got the ball down on the tryline with seven minutes remaining, although the video referee had to look long and hard before confirming referee Richard Silverwood’s decision to award the try.
The first half had been scoreless until the 22 minute, when former Castleford star Craig Huby opened the scoring with a try from close range that looked as though it may have incorporated a knock on.
The Giants extended their lead three minutes later when Aaron Murphy was able to touch down after a perfectly judged kick to the corner by Danny Brough, who also converted both tries.
After Mariano had been held up over the line, Jake Webster finally got the Tigers on the scoreboard when he shrugged off an attempted tackle by Jake Connor to touch down, but Luke Gale couldn’t add the goal.
A full report and photos from this game will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.
