A different way to start our column this week:
“When I find myself in times of trouble
“Mother Mary comes to me
“Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
“And in my hour of darkness
“She is standing right in front of me
“Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
(With the appropriate acknowledgement of copyright!)
Here is a section from ‘Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants’ about the 2007 season:
‘The season got off to a terrible start. Seven consecutive Super League losses cast the Giants adrift at the bottom of the table.
‘The familiar jeers from opposition fans returned and bookmakers quickly installed the Giants as relegation contenders.
‘Many fans began to question coach Jon Sharp’s ability, especially following that morale-sapping seventh defeat against fellow-strugglers Salford.
Sharp remained steadfast, pointing out that, although Huddersfield were bottom of the League, their matches had been close and they had, paradoxically, the second best defence in the league.
‘On April 1 the Giants finally recorded their first win of the season, an emphatic 74-4 victory over National League 2 side York in the Challenge Cup. At the time, it seemed scant consolation for the club’s poor start.
‘The next Super League match five days later saw the Good Friday visit of rivals Wakefield. In contrast to the Giants, Wakefield had enjoyed a great start to the season, riding high in the league despite pre-season predictions of a relegation battle.
‘Pre-match, the Giants’ players and supporters endured derision and mockery from Wakefield’s large, boisterous and vocal travelling support. Their laughter turned to stunned silence however, as the Giants scored in the opening minutes of the match, and continued to score seemingly at will, eventually running out emphatic 56-12 winners.
‘This first league victory in eight attempts was backed up just days later on Easter Monday with an away win at Warrington. Another win the following Sunday against perennial title contenders Wigan lifted the club off the foot of the table.
‘Unbelievably, this Giants’ run extended to nine consecutive victories, including a comprehensive and elusive first Super League victory over Bradford Bulls in front of the Sky television cameras.
‘Huddersfield had now beaten every other Super League club. Making a mockery of his early season criticism, Jon Sharp won the Super League Coach of the Month awards for April and May.
‘The Giants’ winning run came to an unexpected end with a shock 14-12 away defeat by Salford, but in comfortably their best Super League season to date, the club went on to finish fifth, qualifying for the play-offs for the first time.’
The wretched start to the 2007 season was, of course, similar to what’s going on right now, so can history repeat itself in 2016?
Next Tuesday we shall have the pleasure of Michael Lawrence and Jermaine McGillvary at our meeting. 7.30 for a 7.45 start at Turnbridge WMC.
On Saturday, April 9, the second Rugby League Heritage Forum will take place at the University’s Heritage Quay: http://heritagequay.org/events/2nd-rugby-league-heritage-forum/ .
Keep up to date with HGSA by visiting www.GiantsSupporters.co.uk .
