Huddersfield battle back to win thrilling Yorkshire derby

DICKIE Piper’s last gasp try allowed Huddersfield to snatch victory in a ten-try all-Yorkshire thriller at Dore Moor.

With just three minutes remaining the visitors went ahead for the first time through a pushover scrum with Piper making sure from the base.

It was a cruel outcome for the Tigers, who led throughout in a tight and entertaining contest with fiercely committed performances that belied the atrocious conditions.

The visitors got off to the worst possible start, lock Austin Thompson receiving a yellow card after just five minutes for a high tackle.

The home side took full advantage with quick tries from hooker Tom Coates and wing Greg Mellor.

On Thompson’s return the visitors went further behind when Jamie Broadley’s pace allowed him in for his 14th try of the season, Mark Ireland’s conversion putting the hosts in full control at 19-3.

Huddersfield hit straight back with their first coherent attack of the game. Going through the phases Adam Malthouse was able to break through for his side’s opening try. As the interval approached Field began to dominate and were rewarded when Jonny West grounded the ball following a well executed rolling maul, bringing the sides within two points at 19-17.

Pressing for the lead, the visitors were undone when Henri Packard’s interception took him the length of the field, Ireland’s conversion taking the sides in at 26-17.

Huddersfield started the second-half brightly, Thompson going over from close range following a spell of pressure to bring them back within two. The

hosts responded when Mellor cut inside for his second try but the visitors’ catch and drive allowed Nick Sharpe over for the score, Tigers’ lead being reduced to 33-29.

A disciplined final spell enabled Piper to claim a fifth Huddersfield win on the bounce.