Hull FC 34, Huddersfield Giants 24

Jul 18 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD Giants were left to rue several missed chances, the concession of penalties at vital times and some close refereeing calls as they fell to defeat at Hull FC.

For much of the contest they matched their hosts stride for stride and produced some quality attacking play.

But it was the events in the opening 18 minutes of the second half that ultimately sealed the Giants' fate.

A tough interference call on grounded defender Eorl Crabtree within a minute of the re-start set the scene for Huddersfield's downfall.

From the resulting penalty, Richard Horne stepped through for his side's third try to signal a chain of uncomfortable events.

Chris Nero almost immediately hit back with a try to regain the lead for Huddersfield at 20-18.

But in the next 13 minutes, the Giants conceded cheap penalty after cheap penalty and by the 58th minute they had paid the ultimate price and were 34-20 adrift.

The game had slipped through the visitors' grasp in the most frustrating fashion.

Crabtree's try with five minutes remaining was mere consolation, leaving the Giants to reflect on what might have been.