HUDDERSFIELD RU got their new National League II North season away to the perfect start – not only winning at Waterloo, but also picking up an away bonus point into the bargain with a 41-21 success!
Despite being without a competitive pre-season game, Huddersfield showed few signs of rust and were never in trouble in Liverpool after Chris Johnson put them ahead with an eighth-minute penalty.
Ben Paxman, returning to his more accustomed role of centre after playing much of last season at full-back, ensured Huddersfield’s backs got off to a good start by crossing the line on the half-hour, while hooker James Davies picked up from a ruck close to Waterloo’s line, dummied and raced over for a second try six minutes later.
Both were converted by Johnson to give the visitors a 17-3 lead at half-time.
Two of Field’s newcomers, full-back Donovan van Vuuren and winger Adam Ryder, both showed up with some exciting runs, which Waterloo just managed to keep out with some scrambled defence, but the visitors continued to push on and following a catch and drive from a line-out, flanker Nick Sharpe extended the lead on 50 minutes, before his fellow wing-forward and skipper Mark Whitehead also got his name on the tryscoring sheet, bursting over the line minutes later.
Johnson again nailed the conversions and a second penalty, while Waterloo relied on three penalties from Liam McGovern, until they picked up a couple of consolation tries through Liam Reeve and Adam Anderson.
But it was Huddersfield who crowned a super day out by notching a fifth (and bonus-winning) touchdown from another of their pre-seasons recruits, No8 Dan Hyde, who finished off another catch and drive to charge over the whitewash two minutes from time.
The reliable Johnson kept up his 100% conversion rate to add to his two penalties and round off the perfect start to the new season.
“It was great to get a competitive league game under our belts and blow away some of the cobwebs,” said a delighted Hyde.
“I think our director of rugby Mark Sowerby was pleased with the overall performance, although we know there is still plenty to work on.
“I know Mark is keen to build on what the club achieved last year, and although Waterloo are not the force they once were, to get an away win with a bonus point is a great way to start the season.”
