Lolesi treble lifts Giants
Jamaal Lolesi's hat-trick of tries inspired Huddersfield's 26-22 win over Bradford at the Galpharm.
Last Updated: 19/08/07 6:29pm
Huddersfield are back into the play-off frame after a thrilling 26-22 victory over Bradford Bulls at the Galpharm Stadium.
Rod Jensen's early try set the Giants on their way before Jamahl Lolesi stole the show with a match-winning hat-trick.
Ian Henderson, David Solomona and Chris McKenna replied for the Bulls, with McKenna's try two minutes from time closing the gap to four points and leading to a grandstand finish.
However, the match was overshadowed by a series of controversial incidents which culminated in fighting between both sides, after which both Bradford's Tame Tupou and Huddersfield's Keith Mason were sent off.
Tupou saw red for punching the Giants' Stuart Jones and referee Ashley Klein produced his card again three minutes later to dismiss Mason, who reacted angrily to a tackle from Glenn Morrison.
That incident prompted a massive brawl in which Bradford's Solomona tried to act as peacemaker as both sets of players went for each other.
Huddersfield were already 20-16 ahead before then and Lolesi sealed the points for the hosts with a brilliant solo touchdown on 70 minutes before players from both sides were scrapping again, this time referee Klein splitting them apart.
Winner ruled out
Bradford attacked at will in the closing stages, prompted by Solomona's tireless running, but superb defensive tackles near the try line, especially from Brad Drew, kept the visitors out.
There was though very nearly a controversial sting in the tail as Bradford came mightily close to making a remarkable comeback during the several minutes of stoppage time added on for all the play lost to the fighting.
Bradford's Chris McKenna went over for a converted touchdown two minutes into overtime and referee Klein then nearly gifted the Bulls a stunning victory by apparently failing to hear the hooter when it eventually sounded.
Play continued with Klein apparently oblivious to the fact that the hooter had gone - with Bradford taking full advantage to go over for a winning try.
But Klein was made aware of his mistake by the touch judges and the try was disallowed with the game ending 26-22 to Huddersfield.
