Giants storm back to summit

Brough: kicked seven goals

Huddersfield returned to the top of the Super League table in fine style as they crushed Salford 52-22 at the Galpharm Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Giants ran in nine tries to bounce back from their shock 32-6 reverse at Crusaders on Good Friday and move above St Helens in the standings.

Hooker Shaun Lunt and second rower Dale Ferguson both touched down twice, while the prolific Danny Brough landed seven conversions.

The City Reds had threatened a repeat of their Easter Monday win over the same opponents last year when they twice led by six points in a see-saw first half, though they fell aware in the second to suffer another heavy defeat.

Much-changed team

Having been well beaten in Wrexham last time out, Huddersfield boss Nathan Brown opted to make no fewer than eight changes to his team.

His new-look line-up took their time to gel and they fell behind after eight minutes when Daniel Holdsworth's pinpoint pass sent second rower Adam Sidlow charging over to break the deadlock.

The home side replied with a score of their own from Luke O'Donnell but Holdsworth put Salford back in front with a try that he also converted.

The visiting captain also set up an effort for winger Mark Henry with an inch-perfect kick just before the break, although by then Huddersfield had raised their game to move in front.

Lunt's first of the night came from close range to level matters at 12-12 and then the Giants added two further tries in a seven-minute spell.

Second rower Jamie Cording marked his full debut by supporting a break by winger David Hodgson to score his first try for the club and then soon after fellow forward Ferguson went over after Jermaine McGillvary had collected Brough's bomb out to the right wing.

Ran riot

Henry's try was converted by Holdsworth to make it 24-18 at half time but, now in full flow, the Giants ran riot after the break.

Ferguson charged over for his second try five minutes into the second half and, after he was held up short going for his hat-trick 10 minutes later, Lunt darted over from dummy half to complete his brace.

Prop Darrell Griffin then proved unstoppable from 10 metres out to get Huddersfield's seventh try - all of which had been scored by forwards.

Kevin Brown became the first back to get over the line when he managed a solo effort on 66 minutes, allowing half-back partner Brough to take his goal tally to seven from eight attempts before taking a well-earned rest.

Salford made sure they weren't shut out after the interval with a try from centre Stefan Ratchford that was gifted to him by a rare error from home full-back Scott Grix.

However, Brown's side had the last word - hitting the half-century mark in the process - when winger McGillvary raced over for his ninth touchdown of the season five minutes from the end, Grix adding the goal.