Match Report: Giants 48 Catalans Dragons - pictures

Apr 3 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Giants v Catalans match report

HUDDERSFIELD Giants bounced back from their bitterly disappointing defeat to St Helens with a demolition job on the outclassed Catalans Dragons.

Coach Nathan Brown’s side were in complete control from start to finish as they moved back up to third in the Super League table.

Nine tries to one underlined their total supremacy, and on the back of such a comfortable night’s work they will be relishing Monday’s trip to struggling Salford City Reds.

While the City Reds were involved in a bruising tussle at Warrington, Brown was able to ‘spell’ all his players at just the right time, ensuring they should be relatively fresh for the next challenge.

It was somewhat cruel on the visitors from France, who were lacking several key players and were unable to adopt the physical approach that has been at the heart of so many of their successes in recent times.

But at the same time, the Giants made the most of facing a weakened side and seemed to relish their evening’s assignment, with Danny Brough producing a man-of-the-match performance in just his second game in the claret and gold.

His kicking game, in particular, was exceptional, and he grabbed two tries to crown a top night.

The Giants went straight onto the attack and were soon in complete control.

Within five minutes they had hit the front and by half-time had cruised into a 26-0 lead.

The impressive David Faiumu was the first to strike on the back of some strong work from the forwards.

Andy Raleigh’s drive to the line made life almost impossible for the Dragons and the Kiwi international was quickly in at acting half-back to dummy his way over for his first try of the season.

Brett Hodgson added the conversion, and the home side had made the perfect start.

It took them six minutes to extend their lead as Brett Hodgson’s short pass was collected at pace by Lee Gilmour to brush aside his marker and power over.

Even at this stage, the Dragons looked a beaten side.

But it was another 12 minutes before try No3 came along.