HUDDERSFIELD Giants came from behind to beat Widnes Vikings 32-28 in a thrilling Junior Academy battle at Fartown.
With 18 minutes remaining, the Giants were trailing 28-24 as their opponents threatened to take full second-half control.
But then a stunning break from Thomas Hemingway helped set up Gareth Hull for a crucial try, which Hemingway converted to put the home side back in front.
And in the closing moments Hemingway added a penalty to seal Huddersfield's fifth win on the trot and make a play-off spot a safe bet.
It was a fine end to an exciting game in which the Giants dominated the opening period.
Widnes drew first blood with a third-minute try from Anthony Houghton, which he also converted.
But by half-time Huddersfield had opened up a 22-10 lead.
Richard Knight set the ball rolling by finishing off a fine handling move and Hemingway landed the first of his six goals.
Knight quickly followed up with his second after racing 30m to score as Huddersfield hit the front for the first time in the contest.
And by the 18th minute the lead was up to 14-6, thanks to a try from Stuart Dunbar who latched on to a long pass from Hemingway.
Jon Gledhill grabbed try No4 after 25 minutes after crashing over from close range and Hemingway's conversion made it 20-6.
Mike McDonald raced over for the second Widnes try nine minutes later, but a Hemingway penalty on the stroke of half-time ensured the Giants had a 12-point lead.
It didn't take too long for that advantage to be whittled away, however.
McDonald and Michael Bowles both grabbed tries to level the scores by the 45th minute.
Hemingway settled the Giants' nerves with a penalty in the 53rd minute, but within minutes a second converted try from Houghton took the Vikings into the lead at 28-24.
Fortunately, the home side still had something left in the tank, with Ritchie Hawkyard, Justin Brown, and Jason Southwell leading by example.
And in the 62nd minute Hull raced over for his converted score before Hemingway landed his crucial late penalty.
