Super show sinks rivals

Mar 25 2002 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Full-back Ben Cooper was also a danger coming into the line, although the trysaving tackle on a rampaging Jon Roper midway through the opening half was an equally telling contribution.

Winger Hefin O'Hare was another to pull off a vital challenge to deny the unfortunate Roper in the 62nd minute.

But it was O'Hare's effectiveness on attack that was most prominent.

He could count himself desperately unlucky to have a try disallowed as early as the third minute as McNamara's long pass was adjudged forward.

Yet there was nothing to deny McNamara and O'Hare in the 11th minute as they combined with Cooper to send Eorl Crabtree rampaging to the line.

McNamara landed a superb touchline conversion and the Giants had made the best possible start.

That lead was extended to eight points minutes later when, following a Thorman 40-20, McNamara slotted over a penalty for holding down.

But as the half progressed Leigh began to regain their composure.

Only superb Giants' defensive work kept the home side at bay until Baldwin cut the deficit with his 32nd-minute score, which Neil Turley failed to convert.

At that stage, it was a try Leigh had deserved.