Semi Finals
Leeds Rhinos 12 l. Huddersfield Giants 30

2006 Challenge Cup Index [Draw] [Player Stats]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: Challenge Cup

Giants beat Rhinos in Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Tue August 1, 2006
Source: www.giantsrl.com

The very hot weather of the last few weeks had given way to a much pleasanter though still sunny afternoon at the Grattan Stadium Odsal as the teams took the field for the semi-final of the Powergen Challenge Cup with the prize of a place at Twickenham in the final for the victors. Danny McGuire was missing from the Rhinos line-up, and Stephen Wild moved to the centre from the pack for the Giants to replace the cup-tied Kevin Brown.

Straight from the kick-off the Giants tore into the Rhinos, almost forcing Jamie Jones-Buchanan back over his own line as he attempted to run upfield from Chris Thorman's high kick, and the pressure imposed almost brought a try on 3 minutes. Chris Thorman's high bomb was not gathered by the Rhinos defence and as the ball bounced loose, Paul Smith put Stuart Donlan over in the corner, only for the video referee to rule out a try and give the Rhinos a penalty for offside against Paul Smith. Undeterred the Giants continued to call the shots, with the kicks of Brad Drew and Chris Thorman causing problems for the Rhinos' defence and handling errors when in possession not helping their cause. A superb tackle by Rob Burrow on Stuart Donlan on half way rolling him into touch when the wingman was clear visibly lifted the Rhinos, and from the resultant scrum and set of tackles the Rhinos took the lead. Gareth Ellis made progress into the Giants 20 and Rob Burrow's long pass out wide gave Chev Walker the chance to put Scott Donald over for a try in the corner, the video referee confirming the score. Kevin Sinfield' s conversion went in off a post, and with 15 minutes gone the Rhinos led by six points.

The Giants were not behind long though; on 20 minutes another Chris Thorman high bomb was spilled by the defence and from the scrum Robbie Paul, Chris Thorman and Paul Reilly combined superbly to enable Chris Nero to power over on an angled inside run after Stephen Wild had almost got free on the right hand side. Michael De Vere's conversion levelled the scores and the Giants were buoyant. They continued to enjoy the bulk of possession as the Rhinos struggled to cope with the intensity of the Giants defensive efforts and on 25 minutes deservedly went ahead. Strong runs by Keith Mason, Andy Raleigh and Martin Aspinwall set up the position in the Rhinos 20 where Chris Thorman's grubber kick into the corner was touched down by Stuart Donlan down as the Rhinos defence waited for the ball to roll dead. Michael De Vere's splendid touchline conversion gave the Giants a six point advantage which was almost increased shortly after, Eorl Crabtree being held up over the line. On 36 minutes though the Rhinos hit back; an attempted 40/20 by Chris Thorman sailed into touch on the full and following the scrum Willie Poching showed his great strength to power through attempted tackles and cross for a try to which Kevin Sinfield added the extras.

Half time arrived with the sides level ; territorially the Giants had enjoyed the advantage and with a little more composure on attack could well have been in the lead. They could though be more than satisfied with an excellent first half performance. The Rhinos began the second half much more positively and the Giants defence was subjected to early pressure. Martin Aspinwall twice brilliantly gathered high bombs from Kevin Sinfield and at the other end Chris Thorman almost got clear. The next score was likely to be decisive in the cut and thrust of the match and it came the Giants way on 52 minutes. A superb short kick ahead by Brad Drew was gathered by Steve Snitch who made ground before handing on to Chris Thorman who in turn moved the ball out wide where Chris Nero powered in, again on an angled run to catch out the defence, for a splendid try.

Michael De Vere added the extras and on 59 minutes Giants supporters began to see Twickenham in their sights as Robbie Paul made a magnicent dash to the posts only to be hauled down inches short. A quick play the ball saw Chris Thorman's beautifully weighted pass to the left give Stuart Donlan the chance for him to race in for his second try of the afternoon with the Rhinos defence scattered. Michael De Vere was wide with the conversion attempt but the momentum was wholly with the Giants. Penalty goals by Michael De Vere on 65 and 72 minutes stretched the Giants lead as the Rhinos lost composure and the stadium rang out with the chants of Huddersfied Huddersfield and Fartown Fartown as the supporters roared on their heroes. On the stroke of full time the Giants scored again, Michael De Vere kicking ahead a low pass and winning the chase to touch down in the corner, the video referee giving the nod. The goal kick failed but that was immaterial; the hooter sounded and the celebrations could begin.

The Giants had reached their first major final since 1962; the players had performed magnificently and thoroughly deserved their comprehensive victory. The forwards had outplayed the Leeds 6 and laid the platform for the skills of Chris Thorman, Robbie Paul and Brad Drew to be displayed. Paul Reilly had a huge game at full back but overall it had been a team effort with no weaknesses evident. Defensively the Giants were awesome with crucial tackles being made at vital points of the game. Credit also to the coaching staff for their massive part in the success; Jon Sharp was rightly delighted with the performance after the match. "We really needed to be at our very best against an outstanding Leeds team who were well organised," he said.

Report source: www.giantsrl.com

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