A GLORIOUS hat trick of tries from Tim Collins signalled a satisfying end to Huddersfield’s North I campaign and set them up nicely for a massive play-off clash against Luctonians at Lockwood Park on Saturday.

The flying Kiwi winger not only crossed the line three times, but also unselfishly sent in young hooker James Davies when he could probably have scored a fourth himself.

And with kingpin fly half Chris Johnson notching 17 points with his boot to reach the 300 mark for the season, it gave Field momentum ahead of their one-off meeting with the runners-up in Midlands I, when the prize is a place in National III North.

It was Johnson who gave Huddersfield an early lead with an easy penalty after three minutes, only for Altrincham full-back Pete Kilburn to level two minutes later.

But that was as close as it got!

Although the home side suffered an early bout of dropsy, probably trying to force it too much, they soon settled into the game with Collins serving his notice of intent with a couple of probing runs.

So it was no surprise when he sped over in the left-hand corner after being given the final pass from compatriot Rob McLaren, the full-back having hit the line at pace.

In truth the first 25 minutes were a bit scrappy, but Huddersfield then began to take command, rucking and mauling well, which paved the way for scrum half Damian Clayton to pick up and dive over from close range.

This time Johnson converted (his first attempt having been held up in the breeze), and it was the fly half’s long clearance kick downfield which set up the next score.

The ball set up nicely for right winger Alex Shaw, who found McLaren on his shoulder in support. He, in turn, fed Collins for his second try of the game.

Johnson added the extras to put Field 22-3 ahead at the break, and then added penalties on 48 and 51 minutes as the home side went for a double substitution, bringing on Nick Sharpe and Tom Sharrock for Mark Whitehead and Hamish Pratt.

It was Sharrock who was next on the scoresheet with his first touch of the match (not counting his palmdown in the line-out) after another good piece of work from Shaw, who blazed down the touchline before offloading to the young flanker, who managed to reach out over the line despite being tackled in the process.

Another run from Johnson put George Hinchliff over, only to be held up, but Collins then sealed his hat trick, again from a Johnson run and pass as Field began to really turn the screw.

And there was just time for a sixth try, after visiting winger Rick Lamerton made a hash of defending a kick.

Shaw hacked on and Collins won the race to the ball. Seeing Davies on his inside, he gave the hooker the chance to step out of a tackle and run in for another converted score.

Field learned Luctonians would be their visitors on Saturday after the Leominster side drew 25-25 at Kenilworth.

That meant they finished above Broadstreet on points difference.

Huddersfield: McLaren, Collins, Paxman (B), Paxman (L), Shaw; Johnson, Clayton; McPhail, Davies, Stringwell (Slater, 70mins), Rhodes, Hinchliff, Pratt (Sharrock, 51mins), Whitehead (Sharpe, 51mins), Sowerby.

Referee: Dean Lythgoe (Carlisle).