Huddersfield 29 Warrington 10, Super League 2011

Engage Super League round nine, Friday, April 8, 2011

Huddersfield Giants…29 Warrington Wolves…10

IT is not often that Wolves back up a poor performance with another one the week after.

Following defeat at the hands of Catalan Dragons two weeks ago, fans and players alike were confident that the shock of the loss would prompt a resurgence of the energy and form that was shown against Wigan, but which was so lacking against the French opposition a week later.

Unfortunately for Wolves, and the fans that followed them up the M62 to Huddersfield on Friday, that was not the case.

By his own admission, Adrian Morley and his pack were second best against their opposite numbers.

The resilience they had shown at the DW Stadium had waned and they spent so much time on the back foot that when they did get the ball, they lacked their usual impact.

What emphasised this problem was Wolves’ decision making at the end of sets, of which they completed too few throughout.

Without Lee Briers, their usually dangerous kicking game was often ineffective – the only kick of note came from his replacement Chris Bridge, as his lofted effort was kept alive by Joel Monaghan in the build-up to Brett Hodgson’s first try.

Joel Monaghan offloads to set up a try for Brett Hodgson. Picture by Mike Boden

Other than that, Bridge looked out of place at stand off and seemed much more comfortable in his usual position of centre after Michael Monaghan was moved into the gap during the second half.

In contrast, it was an excellent performance from the hosts, who seemed very much in control even when Warrington had the ball.

Chris Bridge struggled at stand-off in the absence of Lee Briers. Picture by Mike Boden

Wolves slipped into a style of attacking play that seemed almost desperate at times, trying to force a final ball that was not there and coughing up a lot of possession.

That led to frustration and a lack of discipline.

Morley, David Solomona, Ben Westwood were all guilty of gifting penalties to Giants through high shots and ball stripping, giving the excellent Danny Brough a chance to put the hosts three scores aheadduring a 10-minute period in the second half.

Tony Smith will hope his experienced campaigners show a bit more composure the next time Wolves are under some pressure.

Rhys Evans finds the Huddersfield defence difficult to penetrate. Picture by Mike Boden

INTERESTING NOTES:

Wolves' third defeat this season, the second at the hands of Huddersfield Giants.

Richie Myler missed out on Wolves' Super League record for scoring in consecutive games.

TEAMS:

Wolves: Brett Hodgson (2t, 1g); Joel Monaghan, Matty Blythe, Ryan Atkins, Rhys Evans; Chris Bridge, Richie Myler; Adrian Morley, Michael Monaghan, Garreth Carvell, Ben Westwood, Louis Anderson, Ben Harrison. Subs: Jon Clarke, Paul Wood, Mike Cooper, David Solomona.

Giants: Scott Grix (1t); Jermaine McGillvary (1t), Leroy Cudjoe, Michael Lawrence, Jamie Simpson; Kevin Brown, Danny Brough (6g 1dg); Eorl Crabtree, Luke Robinson (1t), Andy Raleigh, Lee Gilmour, Dale Ferguson, Luke O'Donnell. Subs: Shaun Lunt, David Faiumu, Larne Patrick (1t), Danny Kirmond.

Referee: Richard Silverwood

Attendance: 7,224