Giants clear at summit

McGillvary: winger was outstanding for Huddersfield

Huddersfield stormed clear at the top of the Super League standings with a 29-10 victory over misfiring Warrington.

Warrington beat champions Wigan two weeks ago but lost at home to Catalan last week and were second best to a fired-up Giants side at the Galpharm Stadium.

It was Huddersfield's third consecutive win over their 2009 Challenge Cup conquerors and provided further evidence of their genuine title credentials.

Scott Grix demonstrated acute awareness to score the game's first try, latching onto a kick from the outstanding winger Jermaine McGillvary after he was released into space by quick hands from England duo Kevin Brown and Leroy Cudjoe.

Warrington drew level in a blistering opening when centre Matty Blythe kicked ahead on the last tackle and winger Joel Monaghan superbly picked the ball up and found former Huddersfield favourite Brett Hodgson in support to score his first try.

While Warrington clearly missed the prompting of the injured Lee Briers, the Giants had a host of playmakers in Danny Brough, Luke Robinson and skipper Brown and they were always the more inventive side.

Robinson, in particular, revelled in the role of dummy half, sending the strong-running Larne Patrick over for a try midway through the half and then forcing his way over from close range after Cudjoe had been held short.

Lifeline

Brough landed all three conversion to put his side 18-6 ahead but the visitors grabbed a lifeline with the last move of the first half, with Hodgson slicing through the Huddersfield defence after taking a tap penalty in kicking range.

Wolves also started the second half the brighter but they could not pierce the swarming Huddersfield defence.

And, as the Giants gradually re-asserted their authority, the ever dangerous McGillvary got over the line only to be recalled for a forward pass and Brough eventually extended their lead to 22-10 with a couple of penalty goals.

Warrington's discipline deteriorated along with their general play and they finished a well-beaten side, although the only score in the final quarter was a drop goal from Brough and a thoroughly-deserved last-minute try from McGillvary.

Brough landed the touchline conversion to maintain his 100% record with a sixth goal from six attempts.