Giants earn vital win at Salford

4 Jul 2019

Salford Red Devils 18-36 Huddersfield Giants

Huddersfield Giants moved two points clear of the bottom with a 36-18 win over Salford Red Devils at the AJ Bell stadium. 

Salford took advantage of early pressure and crossed twice in the first 20 minutes through Tyrone McCarthy and Ken Sio.

The Giants struck back against the run of play when Matty English held off four players to drive over the line.

Huddersfield took a 10-8 lead into half time thanks to Innes Senior, who finished in the corner with five minutes remaining of the first 40.

It took Darnell McIntosh just three minutes to extend Huddersfield’s lead after the break, leaping above the Salford defence to collect Tom Holmes’ kick and get the ball down. 

The Devils responded in the 48th minute when Kris Welham got his hands to a loose ball after solid build-up play from Jackson Hastings.

Unanswered tries from Kruise Leeming, Ukuma Ta’ai and Jake Wardle put the Giants in the driving seat, extending their lead to 30-12 with 10 minutes remaining.

McCarthy got his second with seven minutes left to give Salford some hope, but Huddersfield stayed solid in defence and McIntosh scored his second of the game in the 79thminute thanks to a line break from Lee Gaskell.

The win means Huddersfield move up to ninth with 16 points, two points ahead of Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and London Broncos at the foot of the table.   

Salford remain two points off the Play-off spots on 18 points with a trip to second-placed Warrington Wolves awaiting them in round 22.