Giants stride into play-offs

Huddersfield head into the play-offs in fifth place on the back of a successful trip to the south of France.

The Giants claimed a 26-12 victory over Catalans as the French side completed a fairly miserable season on a low note.

The Dragons fought hard but as so often this season, they lacked the quality to force a win against top-draw Super League opposition.

The visitors started the brighter and after two unforced knock-ons by the Dragons, they looked to press home their territorial advantage.

But just as the Giants looked set to open the scoring, centre Michael Lawrence knocked the ball forward.

Huddersfield had to wait all of half an hour to finally claim their opening try, after a fine pass from Luke Robinson put Stephen Wild in a gap and he burst clear of the Catalans defence.

Wild rounded full-back Clint Greenshields to score and also managed to make Brett Hodgson's conversion attempt a formality.

The Giants extended their lead with two minutes to go before half-time.

Catalans spilled possession and Kevin Brown managed to put his boot to the ball, hack it into the in-goal area and David Hodgson raced on to touch down in the left corner.

Lead

Brett Hodgson failed with his conversion attempt but the Giants held a 10 point half-time lead.

The visitors further extended their advantage early in the second half with tries by Shaun Lunt and Leroy Cudjoe, both converted by Brett Hodgson.

Catalans bounced back with a try when, following a penalty, a Tony Gigot kick towards the right hand post just evaded a Giants defender and Setaimata Sa was on hand to touch down next to the post.

Gigot converted the try to pull the Dragons back into the game.

But Huddersfield settled the contest with an outstanding solo effort from Luke Robinson, who caught Andrew Bentley napping and went over to the left of the posts.

Hodgson failed with his effort at goal, but the Giants led by 20 points with just 16 minutes remaining.

With time running out the Catalans scored a consolation try through Frederic Vaccari after another superb kick by Gigot.