Nine-try feast is easy romp

Feb 18 2002 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Swinton Lions 4 - Giants 48. HUDDERSFIELD Giants swept away the disappointment of their Challenge Cup exit by cruising to another big Northern Ford Premiership triumph.

Memories of last week's Doncaster debacle were well and truly obliterated as they notched up nine tries against struggling Swinton with ease.

Despite making eight changes to the starting line-up, the Giants were in a totally different class and the outcome was never in doubt from the moment the impressive Adam Hayes strolled over for the opening try after seven minutes.

But while this was again a victory based on a solid all-round team display, it was also a day for personal landmarks.

For a start, Hayes marked his first senior start this season by grabbing two tries, and was cruelly denied a hat trick by a tough call from referee Russell Smith, who incurred the wrath of both sets of supporters.

Yet this win was also memorable for rapidly improving winger Matthew Whittaker, who scored his first senior try for the club, while Jeff Wittenberg and Andy Rice also celebrated their first tries of the season.

And not to be outdone, Chris Thorman passed a century of points for the season when he grabbed a superb solo try after 13 minutes.

That score, which involved a delightful chip over the defence and regathering of the ball before plunging over, typified a majestic first-half performance from the Newcastle-born half-back whose form this year has been nothing short of sensational.

In all essence, the opening period was the `Chris Thorman Show', with his individual touch being placed on five tries.

In fact, it was very noticeable how the Giants lost a fair amount of attacking flair when he was substituted 10 minutes into the second half.