Match Report | St Helens (H)

Huddersfield Giants lost out 10-18 to St Helens, despite a determined performance from Luke Robinson's men.

It was defeat at The John Smith’s Stadium for the Giants who played half of the game a man down. 

The Giants had their first opportunity of the afternoon after 6 minutes after Robertson fumbled a long kick from Lolohea left the hosts in range. However, a stabbed kick early was left to go dead by the visitors, and the half chance was gone.

After a good start from the Claret and Golds, it was in fact Saints that broke the deadlock. A mistake from Golding gave possession away and two tackles later, Lomax wriggled through a gap to score to the left of the posts.

After 18 minutes, two back to back penalties propelled the Giants up field and looked to hit back after Lomax’s earlier score. Clune forced a drop out with a pinpoint kick towards Bibby, and the Cowbell Army had another opportunity to attack. That attack also resulted in a goal line drop out, this time a Lolohea kick that was taken by Robertson, but had Bibby there to meet him and push the Saints full back into touch, in goal.

The sustained pressure paid off when Elliot Wallis finished off a fine move. After a late hit on Clune, the Giants were able to shift it from right to left to Wallis who spectacularly dived in to ground.

The Giants took the lead just 4 minutes later! A brilliant over the top ball from Lolohea found Bibby unmarked and he trotted in unopposed to nudge the Cowbell Army in front.

Saints looked to attack down their right edge, however a wide pass from Robertson went astray, and try scorer Wallis was there to collect the loose ball and stop the attack.

Drama at the end of the first 40 as a red card was produced. Fenton Rogers was given his marching orders from referee Aaron Moore after a high tackle on Tee Ritson.

That card would prove to be the final action before the hooter, with the Claret and Golds holding a slender 10-6 at the break.

St Helens did everything they could to make their numerical advantage count after the restart and put pressure on consistently. They did find their breakthrough on 50 minutes as Mata’utia cut inside from close range to go over. Bennison converted from the tee and put Saints back in front.

The visitors added to their score 5 minutes later. Ritson with a break down the right edge and Robertson in support. He made the inside pass and Robertson finished the move off.

A fairly quiet 15 minutes followed with both sides making errors and not really mustering much threat. Wallis came closest for the Giants after an off the cuff kick long from Russell, but Ritson was quickest to it.

Stephens was shown a yellow card with 9 minutes to play for a professional foul, after delaying the restart for the Giants as they began a seven-tackle set.

Time ran out on the Giants to fathom a comeback in the end, although a tough performance and brilliant effort from the Claret and Golds who found themselves a man down for the second half. The hooter sounded and the two points head back to St Helens who ran out 18-10 winners.

Scores:

Huddersfield Giants:

Tries: Wallis, Bibby

Goals: Russell 1/2

St Helens:

Tries: Lomax, Mata’utia, Robertson

Goals: Bennison 3/3

Attendance: 3877 | Photo Credit - Darren Greenhalgh