Mellor hat-trick takes Giants to victory

11 Apr 2019

Huddersfield Giants 20-18 Castleford Tigers

Alex Mellor grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Huddersfield Giants claimed their fourth Betfred Super League win of the season with a thrilling 20-18 home triumph over third-placed Castleford Tigers.

The in-form back-row forward scored once in the first half and twice in the second in a West Yorkshire derby in which the lead changed hands six times.

The first half proved to be the tightest of affairs, with the Tigers holding a narrow 8-6 interval advantage.

Both teams crossed for one converted try each, while video referee Robert Hicks ruled out potential scores for Huddersfield's Lee Gaskell and Jermaine McGillvary and Castleford's Mike McMeeken.

The difference at the break proved to be a 21st-minute penalty from half-back Peter Mata'utia as the visitors made it clear they were prepared to grind the contest out.

McIntosh added the extras for the hosts and also kicked over two penalties, while Giants winger Greg Eden and substitute Matt Cook claimed a try apiece for the Tigers with Mata'utia converting both and adding two further penalties.