Academy put in good shift but come up short in battle with St Helens
HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ Academy side opened their
2019 home programme with a closely fought 36-28 defeat to St Helens.
In a game played in cold, wet and windy conditions at Lockwood Park, both sides gave their all in front of a healthy crowd. And despite the defeat, there was plenty to be positive about for the ‘Baby Giants’ – the fact they fought back from a very early 10-0 deficit showed their team spirit.
An entertaining game saw the young Saints dominate the early exchanges and two quick-fire tries and a touchline conversion saw them 10-0 up within minutes, but the Giants started to find their feet.
Ben Bamber crashed over from a quick, short, play the ball and Josh Pinder added the extras.
Louis Senior then collected a pass 20 yards out and despite having three Saints players on him, he managed to get the ball down, Pinder this time unable to add the extras.
But then St Helens came back, a good move saw the winger over and another touchline conversion saw them leading by 10-16.
Back came the Giants as Jack Flynn darted over from dummy half with Pinder, again slotting the extra two. Alfie Copley ran a great line to collect and sprint over for a great try, Josh Pinder rounded off the scoring for the first half at 22-16.
As with the first half, it was St Helens who started the stronger and were seemingly camped in the Giants’ 20 for long periods, but their dominance was rewarded, when two more quick tries, both converted, and a penalty for an infringement under the posts extended the lead to eight.
It was no surprise when Huddersfield were next to score, some good movement and handling finished with Ross Whitmore charging in under the posts, Pinder added the two.
However, Saints managed to break through to score the winning try.
They finally wrapped up the game with another penalty in front of the posts, but both teams came off the field knowing they had all put in a good shift.