March super show brings vital scalp!

Sep 8 2003 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Giants 25 - 12 Widnes. Late burst sinks top-six rivals

The way the Giants recovered from Hughes' early score underlined yet again the excellent spirit that exists within the McAlpine camp, and it took just four minutes for them to ease ahead for the first time.

Although good approach play made it possible, it would be wrong not to describe the Giants opening try as a magnificent individual effort from outstanding full-back Paul Reilly.

Collecting the ball 15 metres out, he jinked past several markers and then twisted out of a couple of tackles to plant the ball down by the posts.

Steve McNamara converted and Huddersfield had the lead.

In an enthralling battle, it wasn't until the 36th minute that the advantage was increased as McNamara banged over a penalty after good work from Paul March.

Minutes later, however, came a major talking point.

Widnes prop David Mills powered his way to the line, was half-tackled and carried on before plunging over the tryline, only to have the ball stolen from him heroically by Reilly.

To everyone's confusion, referee Ashley Klein then awarded Widnes a penalty, claiming that as Mills had already been half-tackled, Reilly had taken the ball as part of a two-man tackle.

"If that wasn't a penalty try, I don't know what is," fumed Widnes coach Neil Kelly.

Instead, his side had to settle for two points from the boot of Stephen Myler and the half-time lead was 8-6 to the Giants.