Jermain McGillvary: Gave Huddersfield hope with second-half score
Simon Grix: Scored two tries, including the clincher late on
Warrington have reached the Super League Grand Final for a second straight year after battling to a 30-22 victory over Huddersfield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Wolves, who were beaten by Leeds in the Old Trafford showpiece last season, had taken a 14-point lead early in the second half but were clinging on to their advantage by the time Simon Grix scored the killer try late on.
Joel Monaghan and Grix both grabbed a brace of tries, while centre Ryan Atkins also crossed to justify the hosts’ selection of the Giants via the Club Call system.
Danny Brough, Jake Connor, Jermaine McGillvary and Dale Ferguson touched down for Huddersfield but could not prevent the table-toppers from seeing their hopes title hopes ended.
Warrington will face either Leeds or Wigan for the Super League crown next Saturday.
The Giants suffered a blow before kick-off when full-back Scott Grix pulled out through injury, leaving 18-year-old Connor to step into the breach with confidence.
But it was the Wolves who made a dream start, with Monaghan scoring the first of his side’s five tries after only two minutes courtesy of quick hands from Stefan Ratchford and Chris Bridge.
Panic
Lee Briers’ kicking was causing panic in the Huddersfield defence but the Giants eventually relived the pressure and drew level when Luke Robinson’s grubber kick was grounded by Brough, who also added the conversion.
The visitors went in front on 21 minutes when Connor joined the attack and took three defenders over the line to score his second try in as many matches.
Huddersfield were looking good value for their 10-6 lead but Warrington eventually regained the momentum and Bridge got Monaghan over for his second try before Grix touched down from Richie Myler’s kick on the last tackle.
Ratchford kicked his third conversion to make it 18-10 at half-time, a lead which was extended soon after the break when Atkins collected a high kick from Briers to score.
Ratchford’s fourth goal opened up the 14-point advantage but Huddersfield, who lost second rower Brett Ferres with a hand injury just before the interval, fought back admirably.
First, Robinson’s looping pass found right winger McGillvary in space and he finished decisively at the corner, then Dale Ferguson danced through the defence to score from close range. Brough added both conversions to reduce the gap to just two points.
However, the home fans were breathing much easier six minutes from time as Briers’ kick bounced awkwardly in the Giants’ defence and Grix scored under the posts.
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Article source: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/23113.php
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