Late Vikings blows fail to detract from first home win in great points surge
TRIUMPHANT Huddersfield Giants are back in business!
That's the clear message sent out today by head coach Jon Sharp after watching his Super League side secure a 34-18 victory over Widnes Vikings at the Galpharm Stadium last night.
Despite having to change his plans at the very last minute due to the sudden illness of Sean Penkywicz, Sharp's side were the dominant force for the majority of the contest.
The final scoreline certainly flattered the visitors, with Sharp admitting the concession of three late Vikings' tries took some of the gloss off the win.
But, overall, he was delighted to have gained a first home League win of the campaign.
"After failing to perform against Leeds last weekend, it was good to get back on track last night," said Sharp.
"Hopefully, it will be the start of things to come.
"I was really pleased with the first-half performance when we looked very comfortable and finished well.
"But I have to admit that when we scored right at the start of the second half, I thought we might have one or two problems in regards to concentration.
"With such a healthy lead (it made it 28-4) you worry whether the players may drop their guard.
"I think that's what happened to us, and it was disappointing to see.
"Also Widnes knew they had to start chasing the game and were offloading at every opportunity in a bid to get back into the game.
"But we hung in there and emerged as worthy winners after producing a much improved performance.
"And that's what we set out to achieve from the outset."
Sky TV's man-of-the-match for the Giants last night was fit-again full-back Paul Reilly.
Sharp was obviously full of praise for his effort after returning from a calf injury, but he singled out several others for special mention.
"I thought Brad Drew had his best game and is slowly starting to recover from illness," he added.
"And Eorl Crabtree was again immense after playing so well against Leeds last Sunday."
