Thrilling clash is edged by battling visitors

HUDDERSFIELD held on for an important away victory against Hinckley at Leicester Road to strengthen their promotion bid.

Now just one point from the top, the Yorkshire side took the lead after 15 minutes through Harry Whitfield after a monstrous lineout maul with Chris Johnson adding the extras, 7-0. Winger Calum Dacey ran through a gap to get the hosts on the board with an unconverted try after 19 minutes.

In an even opening 40, Johnson scored the other points from the tee to give the visitors a 10-5 lead at half-time.

Two tries in five secondhalf minutes from Lewis Workman then give the visitors a comprehensive lead.

The star man first went over in the 60th minute with an amazing run from inside his own half before scoring again soon after Tom Hodson slipped him in for an easy run over.

Johnson converted both to give Huddersfield a 24-5 lead. Hinckley fought back into the game through an unconverted try from captain Alex Salt. Prop Craig Bresland got the hosts a third soon after before Huddersfield's Johnson, who had been sensational with his kicking all afternoon, slotted a drop goal, 27-19.

One minute from the end, Dacey’s second secured the try-scoring bonus point for the home side, and a losing bonuspoint, but despite late pressure, they could not find a winning score.