Huddersfield 12 – 14 St Helens

First-half tries from Konrad Hurrell and Tommy Makinson, plus a penalty from Makinson after the break proved enough to secure the third win of the season for the Saints; Ashton Golding and Senior Innes both crossed for the Giants, with Olly Russell landing both conversions

Betfred Super League champions St Helens held off a determined challenge from Huddersfield Giants to win 14-12 at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Giants dominated the territorial battle for a significant period of the first half, but St Helens were caught in errors to open in quickfire converted tries from Konrad Hurrell and Tommy Makinson.

Ashton Golding reduced the deficit to 12-6 by coming out of dummy half to finish from close range two minutes before half-time, but Makinson’s penalty seven minutes into the second half extended the lead.

Senior Innes’ effort on his first appearance of the season 15 minutes from time ensured Huddersfield stayed firmly in the contest, but Ian Watson’s side were unable to make the most of their chances as they went down with the same scoreline as the previous week’s defeat to Wigan. A soldier.

The story of the game

The early Saints’ pressure was not there before Will Pryce, returning to the Giants in the absence of Tui Lolohea, roused the home fans with a jinking run that ended with the bustling Senior wing down the left.

Chris McQueen fumbled a pass from Chris Hill that would have sent him hurtling through the half, but the forward pressure ended in a spill from Sebastine Ikahihifo, setting up a chance that led to the Saints pushing forward.

The visitors spread the ball around where James Roby made an impressive yard straight from play-the-ball before Jack Welsby fed a crashing Hurrell with Makinson adding the extra.

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Konrad Hurrell found Tommy Makinson with a superb pass as St Helens edged past Huddersfield.

Hurrell, impressive on his return from a red card in the season-opener against Leeds, turned provider less than three minutes later with a slick offload to Makinson who squeezed in for the Saints’ second on the right touchline.

He then posted a second conversion to leave Huddersfield, who appeared to be seizing control, with a double figure deficit.

Golding punished some sluggish Saints reactions by pushing on before the interval, with Olly Russell reducing the deficit, but three straight sets of Giants pressure after the restart came to nothing.

Huddersfield finally made a breakthrough 15 minutes from time when Welsby failed to stop Senior stretching over in the corner, and Russell’s difficult conversion dragged the home side back in two.

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Innes Senior crossed the line for Huddersfield

There are many frayed nerves in the ranks of the Saints’ but the lack of Huddersfield which cuts the edge cost them dear for the second week running and sent home visitors sure to have turned the stuttering start around.

What they said

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens

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St Helens head coach Paul Wellens admits victory over Huddersfield Giants was ‘nervous’

“It was a bit nervous at times. When we came here tonight, we didn’t expect anything different and we watched the Wigan game last week. [against Huddersfield] which is beautiful.

“In terms of character and the way we went forward, it was incredible. The way we defended the line for a long time is that we are back to our best.”

Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson

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Huddersfield Giants coach Ian Watson felt his side were unlucky to lose against St Helens

“I’m proud of the way we played and hung in there until the death. I think we were a little unlucky in some areas, but it was fun.

“We are kind of where we should be – we are there, but we are not there yet, if that makes sense. It is really positive and moving in the right direction.”

Player of the match Matty Lees

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Matty Lees says St Helens’ win over Huddersfield was his best of the season

“It was a very tough game of rugby. We just had to hang on at the back when it was on our line.

“We said all week that they are a very good team, they are ready with us, and when they are on their own line, we talk about slowing down – and I think they did a very good job.”

What’s next?

Huddersfield now traveling to coach Watson’s former club Salford Red Devils on Sunday April 2 (3pm). St Helens is back in action at the front for the initial struggle Wakefield Trinity Saturday, March 31 (8pm).

Live Sky Sports Super League coverage continues tonight as Wigan Warriors host Salford Red Devils. Watch live on Sky Sports Arena from 7.30pm and stream on NOW TV.