Huddersfield edge a tight affair against Wakefield

Huddersfield got their season up and running with an attritional 8-0 victory over Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue.

A converted Joe Greenwood try and a penalty goal were the difference between the two sides in a game devoid of attacking quality.

Chances were at a premium throughout the first half for both sides. The home side dominated much of the possession and territory in the first 30 minutes but they failed to translate their advantage into try scoring opportunities thanks to errors and some strong defence from the giants.

Huddersfield had chances of their own to attack, especially in the final ten minutes of the half, however they too were unable to threaten the Wakefield line.

Following such a tight opening 40 minutes, Huddersfield chose to kick a penalty just minutes into the second half following a late shot on Theo Fages. Tui Lolohea made no mistake as he slotted the kick over from in front of the posts and edged the visitors ahead.

The giants would then cross for the decisive score just before the hour mark.

After Joe Bibby was inches away earlier in the set, Joe Greenwood crossed the whitewash on the last. The giants kept the ball alive and when it was given to the prop he straightened up and reached out for the line as he was tackled by the Wakefield defenders.

Unlike the first half it would be the giants who had much of the possession and territory in the second half.

Their two best chances came when Will Pryce was able to jink his way past two defenders before being tackled metres short and then with a minute to go Leroy Cudjoe rose above Lee Kershaw to collect a high kick to the corner but he too was held up by the Wakefield defenders.

Post match reaction:

Ian Watson was pleased to get his first win of the season and more importantly on his sides defensive display. He said: “To keep teams to nil in Super League the way everyone wants to attack is a big ask so it’s a big plus to come away from home and nil Wakefield.”

On his side’s third defeat of the season, Mark Applegarth said: “Sometimes you have to tip your hat and say you got beat by a better team on the evening. Huddersfield stuck to their game plan. They strangled us and kept putting us in the corner before capitalising on our mistakes.”

Teams”

Wakefield Trinity: Liam Kay, Lee Kershaw, Samisoni Langi, Jorge Taufua, Lewis Murphy, Lee Gaskell, Mason Lino, Jai Whitbread, Liam Hood, Renouf Atoni, Jay Pitts, Matty Ashurst, Jordy Browther Subs: Morgan Smith, Eddie Battye, Kevin Proctor, Sam Eseh 18th man: Corey Hall.

Huddersfield Giants: Tui Lolohea, Jermaine McGillvary, Esan Marsters, Jake Bibby, Leroy Cudjoe, Will Pryce, Theo Fages, Chris Hill, Nathan Peats, Oliver Wilson, Chris McQueen, Josh Jones, Luke Yates Subs: Owen Trout, Ashton Golding, Joe Greenwood, Matty English 18th man: Harvey Livett.

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