HUDDERSFIELD’S Academy side secured a 13-8 victory over Southern Division leaders Sheffield to book a quarter-final spot in the Yorkshire Cup.
The South Yorkshire side brought an impressive record to Lockwood Park and, with Huddersfield having to make a number of changes for the second round tie, the signs were ominous.
Sheffield started well with their winger racing in to score in the corner, but Huddersfield replied when they were awarded a penalty on Sheffield’s five-metre line and, from a set-up maul Tom Guinan barged over.
Both teams regrouped at half-time and Sheffield started the second half brightly only to be kept out by stout defence led by the back row of Henry Ward, Bob Sykes and Dan Western.
Sheffield’s best chance came when their No8 charged onto a pass and looked set to score until Niall Murphy put in a huge tackle to stop him.
Huddersfield then cleared their lines with Western making an impressive break before off-loading to Ward, who in turn moved the ball to Ross Baggs who carried the attack into Sheffield’s 22.
The focus of attack was changed and Harry Ainsworth raced in by the corner flag.
Sam Hirst kicked a Huddersfield penalty to put them 13-5 in front, and the visitors replied with a penalty kick of their own.
Huddersfield will now face Wetherby in the quarter-finals on Sunday, March 20.
