MAC TAKES GIANT STEP
Jermaine smashes Rovers in semis
By JULIE STOTT
JERMAINE McGILLVARY is finally on the brink of a dream after scoring a Challenge Cup semi-final cracker.
The England winger, 34 in eight days’ time, has spent his entire career at Huddersfield without winning a thing or even being in a final.
But the second part of that hoodoo has now ended. And, with the Giants in this form, they could break their winning jinx.
McGillvary said: “It is unreal. I have been playing at this club for 14 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever got to a final. It’s absolutely amazing.
“This is massive for the town. To keep them to nil until the last few minutes was an awesome effort.”
McGillvary was named man of the match for a superb performance that was crowned by his brilliant solo try early in the second half.
He beat three players in a weaving 55-metre run – but admits he doubted he would get to the try line.
He said: “I’m 34 later this month. I didn’t think I would make it – it was easier when I was younger. But I got there in the end, I plodded over.”
Huddersfield were worthy winners but were lucky to catch Rovers on a bad day.
Disappointed Rovers coach Tony Smith said: “We shot ourselves in the foot with the way we started.
“It will hurt for a day or two. Huddersfield were good but we did not give them enough of what we needed to do. We were a really fatigued team in the second half. We were trying but there was not enough in the tank.”
Huddersfield, playing in their first semifinal for 10 years, last won the Challenge Cup back in 1953.
But they looked hungry to write some new history with a dominant first half with tries from Josh
Jones and Innes Senior.
McGillvary’s try put them further in control and Owen Trout’s 56th minute touchdown
(right) killed off any hope Rovers had of getting back into it.
Oliver Russell kicked four goals and Theo Fages landed a drop goal before Rovers finally got a late Shaun Kenny-Dowall touchdown.
Giants boss Ian Watson, who took over 18 months ago, said: “I am overjoyed for the players and am made up for the club.
“There were loads of great efforts but I’m going to pick out Jermaine McGillvary because that was one of the best games he’s played for me.
“He deserved to score that try.”
HUDDERSFIELD: