McNamara boot proves crucial

Apr 2 2002 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Matthew Whittaker was harshly denied a try when he appeared to touch down a David Atkins kick-through in the 52nd minute.

But two minutes later it appeared that the pressure on the Giants had eased considerably.

The introduction of substitute Adam Hayes had helped to provide an extra spark in attack, and when he collected McNamara's long pass he brushed aside his marker and showed a great turn of pace on his run to the line.

McNamara again added the extras and followed up with a successful penalty on the hour.

Yet Batley refused to wave the white flag.

Four minutes later Paul Harrison seemed a certain scorer before he spilled the ball over the line, but there was no mistake on his side's next attack.

With the Giants penned on their own line, the ball was swept across the left for former Giant and current YMCA rugby union player Chris Beever to plunge over in the corner.

Huddersfield steadied their ship by dominating the final exchanges, with one dazzling Hayes run worthy of a try.

But this was a game when the smiles on the faces of the losers were wider than those on the winners.

The Giants may have won - but only just!