Huddersfield 28, Wirral 16

HAVING given Huddersfield a close game at home earlier in the season, Wirral travelled to the unbeaten league leaders with some optimism and this was borne out by their display in the first half.

Wirral started off comfortably sticking to their game plan, which was not to allow Huddersfield to develop any rhythm in their game and were rewarded with a 40m penalty from James Annetts in the fourth minute.

At this stage Wirral had a fair share of possession and were keen to pass the ball wide which showed up deficiencies in the home back line.

A ball spun right quickly with a miss out pass led to James Annetts scoring in the corner and then converting his own try form the touch-line to give Wirral an early 0-10 lead after 10 minutes.

Thereafter both teams were keen to attack.

In the period up to half-time both teams scored two penalties through Chris Bell (Huddersfield) and Annetts to leave Wirral with a 6-16 lead at half time.

The second half started in the worst possible fashion with Wirral dropping a high ball and giving Huddersfield early presence in the Wirral 20m area.

A penalty to Huddersfield was converted to bring the score to 14-16 in Wirral's favour.

Wirral were not now getting the rub of the green as far as decisions were concerned, which kept the away side pegged back in their own half as knock-ons were being missed, high and late tackles were being allowed.

Huddersfield took the lead when a kick to touch was charged down and this gave Huddersfield possession in the away 20m area and using their larger forwards managed to rumble towards the try line before second row, Austen Thompson touched down and the conversion gave the home side the lead for the first time, 21-16 in the 54th minute.

For the rest of the game Wirral were on the back foot but only allowed the home team to score once more through a penalty try.