Huddersfield coach labels his side's first-half performance as disgraceful
Last Updated: 04/05/15 12:29pm
Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson labelled his side's first-half performance as disgraceful after their 24-24 draw with Leeds on Thursday night.
Huddersfield had battled their way back from 22-6 down just before half-time to edge 24-22 in front after 66 minutes thanks to second rower Joe Wardle's second try of the match.
However, Liam Sutcliffe then levelled the scores with a penalty four minutes from the end but was wide with a field-goal attempt two minutes later.
"I thought we should have won," Anderson said. "We should have had a penalty under the sticks at the end.
"I was disappointed with the first half. I thought that was disgraceful from us - it's the first time this year we've challenged their effort, I thought it was pretty steady.
"Some of them took what was said at half-time and moved it forward, which is pleasing.
"Our completion was at about 50 in the first half but it was close to 90 in the second half."
Leeds coach Brian McDermott praised Huddersfield for their second-half performance and said his side's defence helped them stop the Giants from scoring more tries.
"What a dramatic finish that was," McDermott said. "It was a really good game.
"Huddersfield were very good in the second half and stifled us of possession. When we got the ball we were too gassed to do anything with it almost.
"I'm immensely proud of what we did in that second half because Huddersfield should probably have scored more tries."
Praise for Sinfield
McDermott also praised his skipper Kevin Sinfield, labelling him a true professional for the way he handled the disappointment of being dropped.
The former England captain had been relegated to the bench for the Rhinos' two previous Super League matches and left out altogether - for the first time for 15 years - for Thursday night's derby at Huddersfield as McDermott paired Sutcliffe with Danny McGuire at half-back.
"I can understand why you'd think it's a big call but Liam Sutcliffe and Danny McGuire have been sensational this year," McDermott said.
"Kevin is a fantastic player and he's a fantastic sportsman. He was not happy with the news he got given this week - he was hugely disappointed with it - but at the same time the bloke's a pro and some of your admiration goes up.
"You admire him for what he does on the field but how he conducts himself off it, they are those special moments you can see inside the sanctum."
