Round 20
Harlequins 16 l. Huddersfield Giants 32

2009 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Hodgson guides Huddersfield to vital win
Sun July 12, 2009
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Brett Hodgson guided Huddersfield to a vital 32-16 win at stuttering Harlequins as the Giants kept up the pressure at the top of the Super League table.

Hodgson crossed for two late tries and booted 12 points as the visitors eased past the Londoners for the third time this season, having dispatched Quins in both the league and cup. Neither side could gain the upper hand in a bruising first half with defences well on top, and it was close to the quarter-hour mark before the game saw its first score, Luke Gale twisting over after a slick Chad Randall pass to give the hosts the lead.

The Giants responded with vigour, and after Eorl Crabtree made a break only to have no support, Luke Robinson scampered clear, freeing up Michael Lawrence who put Leroy Cudjoe in at the corner.

Harlequins were enjoying arguably the better of the arm wrestle, forcing a brace of goal-line drop-outs, but they distinctly lacked any cutting edge. They did almost profit from a mistake on the half-hour mark, Hodgson completely misjudging a towering Danny Orr kick, but Chad Robinson was held just short. But right on half-time Huddersfield took advantage of a Harlequins error, Liam Fulton's booming kick twice missed by Chris Melling and David Hodgson bundled over.

The hosts became desperately ragged after the break, and although the Giants never hit top gear they had more than enough to keep Harlequins at bay. Huddersfield stretched their lead minutes after the restart, Cudjoe slapping the ball inside for Lawrence to stroll over. And when Hodgson stroked over a late penalty the game looked well and truly won.

Two tries inside the final 10 minutes from Melling clawed the hosts back into it, but Hodgson himself sealed things when he broke clear to go under the posts and wrapped things up with a further try on the hooter.


Harlequins Team News v Huddersfield
Fri July 10, 2009
Source: www.quins.co.uk

Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott, has named his 19 man squad to face Huddersfield Giants at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

Among those included are Ryan Esders who arrive on loan from Hull Kingston Rovers earlier this week and Danny Orr who yesterday signed a one year contract extension.

Orr, who has been captaining Harlequins in the absence of the injured Rob Purdham, said today:

"After a few weeks on the road we're looking forward to playing at home again. We know we're playing a very good team who are going well, so it will be tough.

"We've been through what we need to do to improve upon last week's match at Wigan and are looking to start the game at a good pace."

The 19 man squad in full:

Tony Clubb, Ryan Esders, Matt Gafa, Luke Gale, Johnny Grayshon, Gareth Haggerty, Daniel Heckenberg, Ben Kaye, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Chris Melling, Jamie O'Callaghan, Danny Orr, Chad Randall, Chad Robinson, Will Sharp, Karl Temata, Danny Ward, Jon Wells, Luke Williamson

Injury Update
Luke Dorn (leg) could be available next week
Rob Purdham (wrist) 2-3 weeks
Jason Golden (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Saturday's match will also see Harlequins Rugby League celebrating their place in the local community.

Local groups and organisations - ranging from confectioners to an American Football club - will descend upon the Stoop, together with dozens of junior Rugby League players taking to the main pitch for the Mighty Quins Mini League Festival.

Tickets are still available from only 15 adults, 5 juniors by calling 0871 527 1315 or online at www.league.quins.co.uk

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