Leeds Rhinos 21 - 20 Huddersfield Giants

Jul 17 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD were denied an historic first victory at Headingley since 1959 in the cruellest of fashion.

When Larne Patrick charged over for a stunning solo effort with six minutes remaining to make it 20-14, it looked as if a dream could become reality.

But within a few moments Danny McGuire’s converted try had levelled the scores before Kevin Sinfield landed the winning drop goal with the last play of the game to lave the visitors shattered.

It was simply not what they deserved.

The Giants trailed 6-4 at the break and could count themselves unlucky to be doing so, even though the opening exchanges were a little worrying..

Leeds started the contest strongly, with referee Ben Thaler giving them a helping hand by harshly sending Darrell Griffin to the sin-bin for a late challenge on Danny McGuire.

The home side almost took immediate advantage, but Danny Buderus lost the ball in his attempt to score.

Unfortunately, there was no mistake in the 15th minute when Kevin Sinfield’s pass sent Chris Clarkson charging to the line for Sinfield to convert.

At that stage, the signs looked ominous.

But in the second quarter it was the Giants who were the stronger.

Lee Gilmour nearly opened his side’s account but just failed to hang on to Kevin Brown’s try scoring pass after a tremendous Griffin drive had caused the initial damage.

That showed Huddersfield meant business, and in the 24th minute they cut the deficit to two points with a superbly-crafted score.

It was the lively Luke Robinson who made it possible as his short pass was collected at pace by Shaun Lunt to sprint away and round full-back Lee Smith to touch down.

Danny Brough failed to convert, but that failed to dampen the Giants’ enthusiasm, with Stephen Wild so nearly crossing five minutes before the break.

However, that pressure was a taste of things to come during a glorious opening to the second period.

Within two minutes the visitors hit the front for the first time when David Hodgson touched down in the corner from Brough’s grubber.

And four minutes later the winger was over again as he collected Brown’s lovely long cut-out pass to race in at the same corner.