Giants defeat Hull FC to keep play-off hopes alive

Tui Lolohea scores Huddersfield Giant's second try in their Super League victory over Hull FC

Huddersfield Giants kept their faint Super League play-off chances alive as Chris McQueen's try broke the deadlock against fellow hopefuls Hull FC.

That made it three consecutive wins for the Giants for the first time this season, and denied Hull their own hat-trick of victories.

Hull were also eyeing the chance to boost their own play-off chances.

A victory would have moved them level with sixth-placed neighbours Hull KR.

They had led through Adam Swift and Brad Fash tries in the first half after Jermaine McGillvary had given the home side the lead, but Tui Lolohea levelled the scores before half time.

Both sides went into the game in form, Huddersfield having eased away from relegation fears and Hull having chalked up seven wins in their previous ten games.

Ian Watson's side were off to a fine start as Jake Connor's 40/20 kick gave them good field position from which the full-back sent winger McGillvary bouncing over for his 249th career try.

That sharp start turned sour as Hull scored twice in five minutes and then McGillvary limped off with a hamstring injury.

Jake Clifford's break opened up the Giants defence for Jordan Lane to send Swift over, and then sloppy defending allowed Brad Fash to dart underneath the posts.

Huddersfield levelled the scores at the break as Russell's excellent high kick sparked a foot race between Hull full-back Davy Litten and Lolohea, with the latter getting the scoring touch.

The second half was tight, with discipline key, and when Jake Trueman was penalised for a silly offence at the play-the-ball, knocking the ball from Sam Halsall's hands, it led directly to the defining moment of the game.

Chris Hill had been driving Huddersfield forward relentlessly, but then he showed his ability with a deft pass that sent McQueen racing over.

Russell, whose kicking was impeccable, added the extras and then calmly dropped the ball between the posts to ensure Hull needed two scores.

Huddersfield: Connor; Halsall, Bibby, Naiqama, McGillvary; Russell, Lolohea; Hill, Milner, Wilson, Cudjoe, McQueen, Yates.

Interchanges: Peats, Greenwood, Hewitt, English.

Hull FC: Litten; Swift, Sutcliffe, Scott, McIntosh; Trueman, Clifford; Fash, Houghton, Sao, Lane, Savelio, Cator.

Interchanges: Dwyer, Lovodua, Satae, Taylor.

Referee: Aaron Moore.

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