St Helens set down a marker as they overcome Huddersfield Giants

St Helens survived a difficult test against a tough Huddersfield Giants side, as they ground out a 12-14 win.

Tommy Makinson’s 10 point-haul, coupled with a try from the returning Konrad Hurrell were enough to finish off Ian Watson’s men in a physical, end-to-end match at the John Smith’s.

Coming into the game, both teams were not hitting the levels expected ahead of the season, so tonight’s game was a chance to put down a marker against a fellow play-off hopeful.

The Giants made the brighter start to the match. Strong carrying up the middle from Chris Hill and youngster Owen Trout worked well in breaking down the St Helens defence.

The boot of Will Pryce also put the Saints under pressure. They were good at working up the field and posing questions, but were unable to execute at clinical moments, which allowed Saints to escape

It would also be the current World Champions who would go onto draw first blood in the 27th minute.

A great break out of dummy half from James Roby got the Saints deep into Giants territory, and were able to get the ball into the hands of Konrad Hurrell, who barrelled over from close range. Tommy Makinson was able to add the goal and Saints took a 0-6 lead.

An error from Pryce from the following kick-off earned St Helens valuable field position via a penalty on halfway, which they turned into points just two minutes after Hurrell’s try.

This time he provided the assist, as his quick hands got the ball out to Makinson in space on the edge, and he dived over to grab the Saints second of the night. He dually converted his own try and in the blink of an eye it was 0-12 to St Helens.

Huddersfield would come back though. Two minutes before the interval, Ash Golding was able to snipe from dummy half to get the Giants on the board. Olly Russell converted and the scores at the break were 6-12. It was poised perfectly for the second half.

The first 10 minutes of the half were dominated by the Giants. They again got into good field position, and forced Saints to knock it on twice in their own territory through kicks, but they were unable to make these opportunities count.

The early period of the second-half also saw the introduction of Jake Connor, who made his first appearance of the season following his move from Hull FC. He was the turning point for the Giants’ attack and helped make them a more dangerous looking team, and this bodes well for them going forward this season.

Tommy Makinson got Saints the first points of the half despite the strong start from Huddersfield, as he added to his tally in the 50th minute. He knocked over a penalty goal right in front of the sticks to make the scores 6-14. The next score was crucial.

The Giants secured that all important next try. A great period of sustained pressure in St Helens territory earned its reward. Great hands through the backs got the ball to Innes Senior, who finished brilliantly in the corner. Russell slotted his second kick of the night to make it 12-14.

The next 15 minutes were a real arm wrestle, both teams went at each other hard.

St Helens had to survive a nail-biting last five minutes, with Huddersfield threatening to score multiple times at the death. St Helens repelled them and held on to secure a good win.

Saints go marching on, and will turn their attention to Wakefield next Friday. For Huddersfield, they will take plenty of positives from this game, and will look to carry these into their game against Salford next Sunday.

Huddersfield Giants: 12

Tries: Golding, Senior

Goals: Russell (2)

St Helens: 14

Tries: Hurrell, Makinson

Goals: Makinson (3)

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