Wakefield Trinity fended off a late comeback to defeat Huddersfield Giants, as Daryl Powell’s side claimed their first win of the season.
Lachlan Walmsley scored twice, the second in controversial circumstances, whilst Cameron Scott and Seth Nikotemo also crossed in the victory.
The Giants competed until the very end, but couldn’t find that all important score to take the lead.
There were a number of talking points to come from the game, including that controversial Walmsley try…
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Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity Talking Points
Trinity off the mark:
After an underwhelming performance over Toulouse last week, Daryl Powell’s side have their first league win, and whilst it wasn’t pretty, they managed to get the job done.
With injuries to Tom Johnstone, Mason Lino and Caius Faatili, Wakefield were far from perfect, but it is two points that the side needed to pick up, especially after defeat in round one.
With the pressure of retaining their play-off spot hanging over them, Trinity took a 14-point lead into the final 15 minutes, and survived a late scare to claim the victory.
Referee controversy:
Huddersfield fans can feel incredibly hard done to this afternoon, and whilst they weren’t at their best, there were some dubious calls that were given against them that had an effect on the contest.
First, Jake Trueman looked to knock the ball on, as he went for an interception. The ball hit the ground, and appeared to go forward, though on-field official Jack Smith called play on. Later in the set, Trinity scored their first try of the afternoon through Cam Scott. At the time of the error, Sky Sports pundit Jon Wells said: “Wakefield have got away with one there because that is a knock on”.
In the second half, an even more contentious call came from video referee James Vella. Again Trinity went for the intercept, as Walmsley stretched out to take the ball.
He couldn’t take it in, but the ball hit his boot, and Vella deemed the contact as a kick, and Walmsley strolled over for his second of the afternoon, leaving Giants players and supporters perplexed.
Giants remain winless:
It was another defeat for Luke Robinson’s side, and they now become the only team that have played two league matches to remain winless, and it’s back to the drawing board for the Claret and Gold.
With injuries mounting, the club are trying to prevent the same scenario that occurred 12 months ago, but with six senior starters out, an injury list like that is bound to take it’s toll.
Their effort can’t be faulted, especially in the final quarter, as they tried to mount a comeback, but it wasn’t to be, as they couldn’t find that final score to take the lead.
Sinfield steps up:
When the line-ups were confirmed, a notable absentee from the team sheets was Wakefield half Mason Lino. He was out of the 17, and Jack Sinfield made his Super League debut for Wakefield.
Sinfield’s defence was just as important than his attack, as he made crucial tackles on a number of occasions. Jake Trueman was the creator this afternoon, whilst the former Leeds man added some game management, slowing the game down in order to try and prevent the Giants’ comeback.
He was awarded the Player of the Match award for his efforts, and put his name in the hat for a starting role in the upcoming games in what was a brilliant start to life in a Trinity shirt for the 21-year-old.
