Huddersfield… 24pts Billingham………. 8pts
National 2North
HUDDERSFIELD head coach Neil Ryan paid tribute to his side’s “firstclass” performance as they put an end to their ten-game losing streak in determined style.
The league’s bottom side produced their first win at Lockwood Park, clinching the bonus point with late tries from Lewis Quinn and Paul Harrison.
In a gutsy display that saw them lead throughout, the hosts stood firm after suffering two yellow cards in quick succession at the end of the first half.
Ryan’s relief at the outcome was clear to see.
He said: “I’m really, really pleased for the lads.
“It was a game we very much needed. After going down to 13 men, the boys stuck together.
“They showed loads of character and the defence at the end to keep them out was first class.
“We showed a ruthless quality going forward and took our chances. We played the majority of the first half without the ball and it was very pleasing what we achieved with so little possessio The team should take great credit.”
Ryan went on to praise the impact of new defence coach Danny Brough, ex-Huddersfield Giant and Super League Man of Steel.
He added: “In November, I brought Danny in. We were conceding over 40 points per game on average. You are not going to win many games doing that. We are seeing the benefits. He has tightened up the defence. We’ve now got 13 games to play and we are looking forward to it.”
The visitors dominated the early exchanges, but were unable to unlock a well-organised Huddersfield defence, creating few clear-cut chances. Midway through the half, the home side went ahead with their first real attack of the game, moving the ball out quickly to wingman Max Horsfall, who had just enough space to squeeze over in the corner.
TEAMS
HUDDERSFIELD: Workman, Senior, Barber, Hammond, Horsfall, Potter, Wilson, Rollins, Myers, Whitfield, Pearson, Barnard, Parfitt, Davis, Quinn Replacements: Dawson, Moore, Walker, Haywood, Harrison BILLINGHAM: Foreman, Horner, Youll, Armstrong, Groark, Evans, Foley, Dixon, Foulds, Clark, Walton, Whinn, Burns, Myers, Jackson Replacements: Graham, Spoors, Bamber, Campbell, Kirby
Ryan Forman reduced the deficit for the visitors with a close-range penalty before Field secured their second try, a well-executed catch-anddrive that saw Thiu Bernard claim the score.
Yellow cards for Will Hammond and Harry Whitfield put the home side on the back foot, but they maintained their 10-3 advantage at the break.
The visitors were unable to turn pressure into points after the restart. Back to a full complement, Field grew in confidence and were rewarded when Quinn forced his way over.
Matt Kirby claimed Billingham’s only try before Paul Harrison’s quick tap penalty allowed Field’s replacement scrum-half to find a gap for the bonus-point score.
REFEREE: Henry Pearson ATTENDANCE: 196
Star man
Lewis Quinn -Huddersfield
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