HUDDERSFIELD Giants slumped to a disappointing 36-30 Senior Academy First Division defeat at Featherstone last night.
The Under 21s eased past Rovers 44-22 at home earlier in the season, and they were not expected to cause the title-chasing Giants any real problems in the return.
But nobody banked on the visitors producing such a woeful display, particularly in the second half.
Despite leading 20-14 at the break and playing downhill in the second period, it was the Giants' performance that went downhill as they allowed their hosts to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
In the first half, two tries from Matthew Whittaker, one each for Iain Morrison and Danny Thomas and two Thomas Hemingway goals gave the Giants a six-point advantage.
That was extended to 10 points within two minutes of the restart when Marcus George scored his 23rd try of the season.
But everything then fell apart, with Hemingway grabbing a late consolation score.
THE Giants' Junior Academy side aim to complete the double over Hull KR at Laund Hill tomorrow (2.30).
Coach Chris Plume's side won 20-6 at Craven Park last month and victory in the return would keep Huddersfield's title bid on track.
Junior Academy: Hull; Sutherland, Knight, George (M), George (L); Simpson, Mennell; Holdsworth, Tillotson, Watson, George (S) or Flaherty, Crabtree, Clare. Subs (from): Lawson, Wilkinson, Cudjoe, Gee, Jones.
