The Huddersfield Giants were caught cold big time as they were devoured by the Wolves of Warrington in the most appalling of snowy conditions.

While the visitors froze – almost literally – on the Halliwell Jones Stadium stage, their hosts had little trouble warming to their task as they secured an impressive win over the Super League XVIII leaders.

Giants chief Paul Anderson would be the last man to use the elements as an excuse for just their second defeat of the season as they failed in their bid to open up a five-point lead at the top.

But there aloud be no denying the weather did prove a massive factor. To say conditions were appalling would be an understatement. The heavy snow and blustery wind made sure the contest was a genuine lottery, with fast-flowing rugby an impossibility.

In fact, there were many who were surprised the game had gone ahead at all.

No doubt Ukuma Ta’ai, who missed out from the team that beat Hull the week before, was probably grateful Jacob Fairbank got the nod to take his place!

Yet given the blizzard-like conditions, the standard of handling was far higher than anyone could realistically have expected.

For the Giants, the major concern early on would have been the fact they conceded six of the opening seven penalties, which enabled the Wolves to lead 8-2 by the half-hour mark.

The visitors were the first to strike in the eighth minute when Danny Brough slotted over a penalty.

But with Huddersfield incurring the wrath of referee Ben Thaler, the pressure eventually told midway through the half when good hands enabled winger Chris Riley to squeeze in at the corner.

Former Giants captain Brett Hodgson then landed an excellent touchline conversion and then followed up with a penalty to give the hosts a six-point advantage and three minutes before the break they extended their advantage when Ryan Atkins burst through some tired-looking tackles on his own 40 to race clear and set up Stefan Ratchford to finish off under the posts, Hodgson’s conversion made it 14-2.

Hodgson nudged his side further ahead with a second penalty a minute after the restart, but it was the Giants who were then the brighter for the next 15 minutes, with Eorl Crabtree stopped on the line when he looked certain to score.

Warrington did, however, deserve a lot of the credit for that close call as their defensive effort on the evening was of the highest order.

As a result, the Giants were forced to chance their arm on a number of occasions, which was always going to prove almost impossible – and the Wolves took full advantage, extending their lead in the 62nd minute.

After conceding two more cheap penalties, the Giants a cracked again when they failed to deal with a Riche Myler grubber and Ratchford capitalised to grab his second.

At 22-2, Huddersfield were already looking a beaten team.

Simon Grix appeared to have rubbed even more salt into the visitors’ wounds when he crossed under the posts, but it was ruled out for crossing.

But the let-off proved brief respite as Hodgson dived over by the posts two minutes later to make it 28-2 with 10 minutes remaining.

Huddersfield did finish the game strongly, with centres Joe Wardle and Leroy Cudjoe both held up on the line.