Great defence nils the Rams!

Jun 10 2002 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Dewsbury 0 - 22 Giants. DEFENCES win matches - and don't the Giants know it!

For a second successive Northern Ford Premiership clash, the unbeaten leaders secured victory by nilling the opposition.

To achieve the feat once is a major achievement, but to do it twice on the trot is truly exceptional, particularly when that second time is against a side as well-drilled and determined as Dewsbury.

The Rams did enjoy periods of pressure, including three sets of six on the Giants line in the first half and two in the second.

Yet there was not one single moment during that time that Huddersfield's defence looked as if it would crumble.

It is pretty clear that coach Tony Smith's side have incredible pride in their defence, and that was epitomised in the 68th minute.

With the contest already wrapped up at 22-0, Rams stand-off Chris Redfearn broke away on his own 25.

He had a clear run ahead of him, but was unable to escape the clutches of the Giants' two leading chasers - second-row forwards Heath Cruckshank and Rob Roberts!

And before Redfearn had time to reflect on his embarrassment at being caught by two big forwards, a whole swarm of visiting defenders had marched past him and back into the defensive line.

Closer to the Giants' tryline, Frank Watene and Adrian Flynn also tried their luck, only to be halted agonisingly short.