SALFORD ........... 36 Giants can’t halt

The Red Devils’ Ben Murdoch-Masila is tackled by Paul Clough (left) and Sam Rapira Pictures by Dave Howarth and Nigel French

But, having said that, it could be argued the final scoreline of 36-20 did still flatter them a little bit after being second best for very large chunks of the contest.

The Giants’ final preparations weren’t helped by England winger Jermaine McGillvary having to pull out with a slight trainingground knock.

But such was the physical start to the contest that McGillvary may have chosen a good game to miss!

Within the opening five minutes Sebastine Ikahihifo, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Logan Tomkins were all having to go off for concussion checks.

The knock taken by Ikahihifo, in particular, looked a nasty one.

Yet despite the challenging opening, Huddersfield were able to get into their stride the quicker, taking the lead after six minutes.

A Lee Gaskell high kick gave the visitors a repeat set, from which Leroy Cudjoe eventually crossed late in the tackle count through a heap of bodies and Danny Brough landed the touchline conversion.

Great Giants defence was required to keep the impressive hosts at bay, but the pressure finally took its toll in the 21st minute as the red-hot Red Devils scored three tries in a scorching seven-minute spell.

Junior Sa’u, Robert Lui and Kris Welham all finished off great moves, with Michael Dobson adding the extras.

At 18-6, it was looking ominous – until Brough took matters into his own hands.

He started the relieving process by landing a brilliant 40-20 before sending out a wonderful cut-out pass for Aaron Murphy to stroll over.

Brough couldn’t add the conversion, but after Dobson then