McNamara boot proves crucial

Apr 2 2002 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Batley 12 - 20 Giants. THE out-of-sorts Giants had to rely on the trusty boot of Steve McNamara to get them out of jail in what turned out to be a tough and uncompromising Buddies National Cup clash at spirited Batley.

With both sides grabbing three tries each, it was the goalkickers who were to have the final say.

And fortunately for the Giants, it was McNamara who came up trumps.

While Huddersfield's loose forward managed four goals from five attempts, former Giants half-back Dean Lawford missed both his shots at goal and Chris Hough fared no better with his attempt.

Had Batley's efforts hit the mark, then a nail-biting finale would have been on the cards.

As it was, the Giants were able to complete the contest in some control and with a second successive victory in the Cup having been secured.

Yet the nature of the wins could not have been in starker contrast.

Against Hunslet, the Giants seldom got out of second gear and rattled up 60 points with the minimum of fuss.

Yet against Batley, they spluttered along in unconvincing fashion and hardly impressed their visiting band of supporters who made up the vast majority of a sorry crowd of 890.

There were only brief glimpses of the Giants at their best, although credit has to go to Batley's superb defensive effort for keeping the visitors largely at bay.