4 ................. GIANTS snarl for Giants agony
firstly a superb inside pass from Livett allowed Ratchford to score and then Ratchford turned provider as the full back’s looping pass gave Lineham the space to race 30m down the touchline to score in the corner and give Warrington a 14-4 half time lead.
The opening exchanges of the second half continued in a similar vein to the first with the slow rucks not helping either side get into any kind of rhythm.
When the Wolves did inject some pace into their play it brought success as Charnley crossed for two quick tries in four minutes midway through the second half to claim his hat trick and stretch their lead.
As the Giants tired the Wolves took full advantage in the closing stages as Ratchford claimed his second and Livett and Philbin also crossed to seal a comfortable victory in the end.
Last night’s results: Castleford 24 Wakefield 4, Warrington 38 Giants 4, Widnes Vikings 24 Wigan Warriors 32.
St Helens full-back Ben Barba has been cleared of serious injury after being taken to hospital with a neck problem.
The free-scoring Australian sustained the injury eight minutes from the end of the Betfred Super League leaders’ 60-10 win over Salford. The match was held up so that Barba could receive treatment
Catalans Dragons’ new signing Josh Drinkwater is acutely aware of the importance of today’s home game against Hull as he prepares to join the club’s battle against relegation.
The 25-year-old Australian, who has been signed to plug the gap created by the retirement of scrum-half Luke Walsh, was in the Leigh team relegated last September after losing in the Million-Pound Game.
“Obviously with the league structure, you want to stay out of the bottom four and, if we can string some wins together in the next few weeks, we’ll get out of it,” said Drinkwater, who also experienced the heartache of relegation at the Broncos. HUDDERSFIELD Giants will target the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup clash against Wakefield Trinity as a real “freshener” for their season.
Interim head coach Chris Thorman feels the Giants can take impetus from doing well in the famous old knockout competition – and will encourage everyone at the club to buy into that theory.
“We actually highlighted this a few weeks ago, noting there would be no ‘easy beats’ in the sixth round,” explained Thorman.
“When I was listening to the draw on Radio 2, they kept coming out with Super League tie after Super League tie after Super League tie, and I was wondering who was left!
“We were last out and it it’s against Wakefield so we look forward to that. A home tie is just about all you can ask for.”
The Giants have still to confirm a date for the tie.
“We will have to look at that, because we are well aware Huddersfield Town are at home on Sunday, May 13,” added Thorman.
“Whether we play a midweek evening or something I’m not sure at this stage, but we will use the Challenge Cup as a bit of a freshener.
“At the end of the day, if you want to add the League Leaders Shield into this, there are three awards each season.
“There are two that people acknowledge more than most – coming from us, who won the League Leaders Shield a few years ago – and it’s the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup which are the two main things you want to go for.
“So with the Challenge Cup coming up, we have to have a real go at that this year.”
Underbank Rangers v Rochdale Mayfield, Hunslet Club Parkside v Wigan St Pats, Myton v Wath Brow, Normanton v Siddal, Thatto Heath v Egremont, West Hull v Kells.
North Wales v Hemel Stags, Coventry Bears v London Skolars, Doncaster v Bradford, Keighley v Whitehaven, Newcastle Thunder v Hunslet, Workington v Oldham, York City Knights v West Wales Raiders.