Warrington make stunning comeback to beat Giants
Saturday, 03 May 2008 18:09
Cullen's side mounted an extraordinary comeback to win
Warrington Wolves pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Huddersfield Giants 36-34 in the first game of the Millennium Magic in Cardiff.
The Giants held a massive 22-6 advantage at half time but two tries apiece from Lee Briers and Andy Bracek as well as a score for Stuart Reardon gave the Wolves their first win in five games.
A John Skandalis try meant that the Giants got close to a minor comeback themselves in the closing stages but Warrington held on for the win.
Both sides enjoyed the slippery conditions in Cardiff and looked to play attacking rugby but it was the Giants who made fewer errors in the opening stages and were therefore able to take a commanding lead.
Michael Lawrence, Luke Robinson, Andy Raleigh and Rod Jensen all touched down for the Giants in a rampant first half.
Michael Monaghan was the only player to score a try for the Wolves as they went into the break facing a 16-point deficit.
At the start of the second half Jensen could have put his side even further in the lead but a lapse in concentration caused him to drop the ball with no defenders around him and the try line at his mercy.
That was the turning point as Warrington cut out their handling errors and forced the Giants onto the back foot.
With momentum in their favour the Wolves took the lead when they scored four tries without reply.
Raleigh scored his second of the match for Huddersfield but Briers claimed his second in the 79th minute to ensure Warrington's win.