Match report: Giants 40 Celtic Crusaders 16

May 4 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT COULD hardly be classed as vintage Huddersfield Giants.

But after two defeats on the trot, coach Nathan’s Brown men were simply grateful for the win as they got their Super League campaign back on track.

The win briefly took the Giants back up to second in the League ladder ahead of the later Murrayfield Magic Weekend games.

And, just as importantly, it could be the catalyst for a return to their early-season form after the painful blips against Leeds and Warrington.

However, for that to be achieved, Brown knows only too well that his side needs to build considerably on a performance that in parts was good, but in parts was shaky.

But with the likes of Scott Moore returning to his best, ably supported by the likes of Danny Kirmond, the green shoots of recovery were clearly apparent.

With the Crusaders still searching for their first win after losing their opening 10 fixtures, the pressure was on from the start for the Giants not to become their first victims.

But any potential nerves were quickly settled as Huddersfield made the perfect start, taking the lead after just three minutes.

Livewire hooker Scott Moore was inevitably at the core, working the blindside to feed Brett Hodgson, who dummied before diving over.

The skipper then landed the touchline conversion and the Giants were on their way.

But it was another 10 minutes when they extended their lead as Luke Robinson’s short pass was collected at pace by the excellent Danny Kirmond to charge through and step past his opponent before touching down for a second converted score.

And the advantage was up to 16 points in the 28th minute.

The increasingly influential Kevin Brown made it possible, making strong ground before Moore moved in at acting half-back to barge over from 15m.

Hodgson this time failed to add the extras, but made no mistake three minutes before the break as the Giants added try No3.

Once again Brown was the architect, making inroads close the Crusaders’ line before slipping the pass to the supporting Shaun Lunt to twist out of the tackle and touch down.