Huddersfield 22 Castleford 0 (Half-time 6-0)
After losing their first three matches of the new Super League season, there was probably a rather disappointed atmosphere around the Huddersfield Giants' Rugby league side. Team spirit was still quite good according to Eorl Crabtree as he acted as television pundit on the BBC's Super League Show. He did point out though that their form was improving gradually, after their preparations for the season had not really been adequate for the challenges ahead. Last week they achieved their maiden victory for the season and they repeated the feat against Castleford yesterday evening, as they now appear to be back up to the pace required to deliver results at this level.
Unlike their opening game of their season, where they were themselves unable to score in a demoralising 19-0 reversal at home to Hull FC, this time it was the Giants doing the 'bagelling' against Cas at the John Smith's Stadium by 22-0, watched by a crowd of just over 5,000.
Already 6-0 ahead by half-time, thanks to a Jamie Ellis try under the sticks just three minutes before the break, which was ably converted by Danny Brough, they ran out convincing winners in the second-half. Indeed, their lead at the break may have been more, but for the video ref cancelling out an earlier try by Joe Wardle due to a knock on.
With the Tigers for once struggling to show any real menace in the game, the Giants were able to run in three further unanswered scores in the second period.
Firstly, Ukuma Ta'ai extended the home side's advantage with a try shortly after the interval, brushing aside would-be tacklers, after a sharp pass from Brough. That was then added to when Aaron Murphy crossed the Castleford whitewash in the corner for their third try on the night. A late try for Jermaine McGillvary put extra gloss on the result for the hosts, as Brough had a mixed night with his kicking, converting 50% of the tries but also adding a penalty score in the second-half.
The Giants now look to be in much better shape for the season ahead, moving up to fifth place in the league in the early stages, ahead of the rest of the week five fixtures. Cas in contrast suffered their fourth defeat in five matches, failing to recreate the positivity generated by their uplifting success over Wigan Warriors last Friday. Many more performances like this and their play-off hopes will begin to drift away.