Giants rue missed first-half chances

Apr 22 2003 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Giants 16 - 29 Castleford Tigers. FRUSTRATED Huddersfield Giants were left to rue several golden first-half chances which would have helped secure a record fourth successive Super League victory for the McAlpine club.

Instead, coach Tony Smith and his side were left to reflect on what might have been after letting Castleford off the hook and conceding late points to seal their fate.

Had the Giants made the most of the chances that came their way in the opening 40 minutes, then victory would have been achieved.

Brandon Costin (24 minutes) and Hefin O'Hare (26 minutes) did cross for scores early in the contest.

But with the likes of O'Hare, Julian Bailey and Darren Fleary getting into promising positions and then failing to see the right end result, the Tigers had been handed a precious lifeline, which they made sure they seized upon.

Although Jamie Bloem regained the Giants the lead with a 43rd-minute try, Castleford dominated the second half.

As the game went on, the visitors became stronger, with the fact they had played 24 hours earlier than the Giants - they played on Easter Thursday and Huddersfield on Good Friday - appearing to make a significant difference.

Yet that can't be used as an excuse for the defeat, given the number of chances the Giants had earlier created.

After skipper Steve McNamara - how crucial was his early departure with a leg injury for the Giants? - and Danny Orr had exchanged penalties, Huddersfield began to create their openings.

In the 14th minute, O'Hare stumbled when attempting to reach the line after it looked as if he had broken clear of the Tigers' defence.