Super League: Huddersfield Giants beat title rivals Wigan Warriors
Huddersfield took a huge step towards the Leaders' Shield after claiming a 30-12 victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium.
Last Updated: 09/08/13 10:28pm
The visitors produced a brilliant second-half performance to go three points clear at the top of the table with just three fixtures - all against sides not currently in the top eight - remaining.
Jason Chan, Brett Ferres and Scott Grix all crossed the try-line while Aaron Murphy grabbed two scores as the Giants dismantled a Wigan challenge which had been sparked into life by a superb solo try from Josh Charnley.
Huddersfield, who finished bottom of Super League for four consecutive season from 1998-2001, were level with the hosts at half-time but proved far too strong after the break.
Wigan were without Sam Tomkins for a fifth league game in succession, the much-coveted full-back having only played in Challenge Cup ties since the defeat at Warrington on June 24.
But Wigan were clearly not lacking motivation as the game started at a ferocious pace and the hosts - also without Sean O'Loughlin and Matty Smith - drew first blood when Charnley palmed back Blake Green's kick for Sam Powell to touch down after six minutes.
Breakthrough
Huddersfield responded and went close on a number of occasions before finally breaking through the defence when Murphy scooped up a kick from Danny Brough to score.
Wigan then went back in front thanks to a fantastic try from Charnley, who evaded three tackles down the right before cutting inside to touch down for the 30th time this season.
The Giants again responded with Luke Robinson drawing the defenders and sending Chan over from a short pass, with Brough's conversion making it 12-12 at half-time.
Huddersfield made a bright start to the second half as Ferres forced his way over from close range, although replays showed the pass he received from Robinson may have been forward.
Brough could not add the extras and missed a penalty shot soon after, but the Giants took a decisive advantage on the hour as Grix followed up his own kick to dive over in the corner and Brough nailed the touchline kick.
Another try followed 12 minutes from time as Brough stretched Wigan on the left and Murphy cut inside and crashed through two tackles for his second score.
Tempers flared on several occasion in the closing stages but the only further movement on the scoreboard came when Brought sent over a late penalty.