Giants Match Report: Hull FC 0 Giants 24

Aug 1 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BATTLING Huddersfield Giants moved back up to second in Super League and booked a place in the play-offs for a second time after producing a big defensive effort to shut out hosts Hull FC.

The performance may not have been one of the Giants’ best of a glittering season as they stuttered and stumbled on the attacking front.

But coach Nathan Brown’s side once again put in a rock-solid display in defence to underline their growing stature in the game and put them in excellent heart ahead of next Sunday’s big Challenge Cup semi-final showdown against leaders St Helens

Without the rested Eorl Crabtree, Darrell Griffin and Stephen Wild there was always a fear the Giants may lack some midfield punch.

And there was no doubt their opening efforts were not the greatest.

With knock-ons thwarting their progress, the visitors were their own worst enemy.

Although Michael Lawrence was unlucky not to give his side the lead after just failing to beat Mark Calderwood to a Kevin Brown grubber kick to the corner, Hull did most of the early running on the back of Huddersfield’s generosity.

But as the hosts failed to make the most of their chances, with Shaun Berrigan coming the closest after crossing the line from a Craig Hall forward pass midway through the half, the Giants’ belief began to grow.

As a result, it didn’t come as that big a surprise when they finally broke the deadlock after 27 minutes.

With Huddersfield targeting Hull’s right side, Scott Moore fed Brett Hodgson, whose lovely long pass to the wing left a huge gap for David Hodgson to stroll over.