GIANTS FALL SHORT AGAINST THE TIGERS

GIANTS 0 CASTLEFORD 24

Joe Wardle and Aaron Murphy were injury absentees from the side to face Castleford Tigers at the John Smith’s Stadium on a breezy afternoon in a match which could have a significant impact in the relegation battle. Alex Mellor and Adam Walne returned and Darnell McIntosh was a late replacement for Innes Senior.

The Giants had the early pressure but could not prise open a tight defence and the Tigers on their first meaningful attack on 9 minutes took the lead. A penalty conceded gave the Tigers field position and when the ball was swiftly moved to the right James Clare found space to touch down in the corner, James Ellis missing the conversion. The Giants fought back strongly but could not open up the Tigers defence and handling errors prevented any real continuity of attack. Defences remained on top throughout the remainder of the half with no points scored; the Giants had their opportunities but could not convert field position into points.

Early errors by the Giants in the second half put them under continuous pressure and led to a try on 46 minutes by Adam Milner to the left of the posts goaled by Jamie Ellis who added a penalty goal  shortly afterwards. 

The Giants cause took a further blow with the sinbinning of Alex Mellor followed by a try to McMeeken by the posts touching down an ingoal grubber which the Giants had not made dead. 

Jamie Ellis’s conversion put the Tigers 18 points to the good and although the Giants continued to get on the score sheet with Lee Gaskell and Jake Wardle prominent no tangible reward was achieved and the last score of the game went to Jesse Sene-Lefao with Ellis again adding the extras. A final deficit of 24 points did not do justice to the Giants efforts but a massive improvement is needed to get out of their present predicament. Next week-end is Cup Final day at Wembley with the Giants back in League action on Friday 30 August at Hull FC kick off 7.45pm.