London 35, Huddersfield 26

Jul 25 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GIVEN the patched-up nature of the Giants side sent into Super League battle in the capital, the final outcome could have been much worse!

Admittedly, that is of very little consolation to coach Jon Sharp and his men in their bid to reach the top six play-offs for the first time.

But with seven first-choice players ruled out, Huddersfield did put in a highly creditable display against a London Broncos side who are at the very top of their form.

With Michael De Vere (hand), Stuart Donlan (knee), Stanley Gene (knee), Stuart Jones (ankle), Paul Reilly (suspension), Ben Roarty (neck) and Marcus St Hilaire (thigh) all watching from the sidelines, the Giants' small squad was always going to be tested to the absolute limit.

And, on top of that, the Giants were also unable to recall the services of Iain Morrison, who is on loan at Whitehaven but has also picked up a thigh strain!

Was it any wonder, therefore, that Huddersfield returned from London empty-handed, particulary with Donlan and St Hilaire having been ruled out in the final countdown to the capital contest?

But even with such a makeshift side on the field, there were still stages in the game when the visitors had the upper hand.

That was certainly the case in the opening quarter as the Giants built up a thoroughly deserved 14-6 advantage.

Within three minutes, the visitors drew first blood as Brad Drew crashed over from close range and former London favourite Chris Thorman added the conversion.