Stone thrown by Swinton success
RICK STONE came under increased scrutiny after Huddersfi eld were dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Championship strugglers Swinton.
The Giants’ Aussie coach, whose side are second- bottom in the Super League table, was left stunned by a 28- 24 home loss to the part- time visitors.
Huddersfi eld, who have failed to win any of their past eight league matches, were undone by Luke Waterworth’s 76th- minute try in a topsy- turvy encounter.
Shaun Robinson, Rhodri Lloyd, Connor Dwyer and Mike Butt also crossed for Swinton, who have only won two league games in 2017 but proved too good for the Giants.
Aaron Murphy, Sam Wood, Darnell McIntosh and Ollie Roberts scored for Huddersfi eld, but the fi nal whistle was greeted by boos from the home fans.
Stone, above, said: “There’s no denying that is a massive blow for us and everyone is very disappointed .
“We had a good enough team out to win but we didn’t. It was embarrassing.”
Huddersfi eld were the second top- fl ight club to lose to Championship opponents in round fi ve following Hull KR’s win over Leigh on Saturday.
Swinton head coach John Duffy said: “It was a massive achievement for the club but I’d like to thank our medical staff for doing a great job with the players . They have turned it around for us and the boys dug deep.”
Elsewhere in the Challenge Cup yesterday, Salford beat Toronto Wolfpack 29- 22 despite having winger Justin Carney sent off in the fi rst half.
Asked whether Carney had seen red because of an alleged racist remark , Salford boss Ian Watson said: “I’m waiting to see the referee’s report and I’ll speak to the guys involved before I comment.”
Featherstone, Halifax, Barrow and Dewsbury, also booked their places in tomorrow’s sixth- round draw.
In the Super League yesterday, Castleford lost 26- 24 to Hull .
Mahe Fonua scored twice for Hull, who had prop Liam Watts sent off midway through the fi rst half for a high tackle on Luke Gale.
“In that second half the willingness to turn up for one another was what we needed,” said Hull boss Lee Radford.
Tom Davies, Joe Burgess and Liam Forsyth all scored twice as Wigan thumped Catalans 42- 22 .