By N Lawless
Huddersfield RUFC 27 – 22 Sheffield Tigers
Huddersfield’s 1st XV got their pre-season off to a winning start but the game was overshadowed by a horrific leg injury to a Sheffield Tigers player and the shoulder injury to James Davies which has sadly ended his playing career.
The injury to the Sheffield player happened early in the first half following an unfortunate collision, leading to a half-hour stoppage whilst paramedics worked on the player, who appeared to be in good spirits despite the injury.
Huddersfield took the lead within a couple of minutes when quick movement was too much for the Tigers defence, leading to a try.
Following the long delay, Huddersfield didn’t take long to get back into their stride, making in 10-0 shortly after returning to the action.
Tigers then began to get back into game and made a break down the left that almost resulted in a try, but the Field defence held strong.
The two teams then exchanged tries in quick succession with Sheffield making their resulting conversion to make the score 15-7 in Huddersfield’s favour going into half time.
Huddersfield almost had a try early in the second half with an attack down the right flank being judged not to have crossed the line by the assistant referee.
Sheffield responded to this escape by scoring at the other end and then converting to go just one behind.
After a scramble, Huddersfield managed to score again only for Tigers to hit back straight away to ensure a tight ending to the game.
Huddersfield eventually managed to score one more time and then make the conversion to ensure victory.
Sheffield scored a late penalty but by then it was too late and Huddersfield held on to take the win but in the last minute Davies fell awkwardly after making a tackle and dislocated his shoulder. Davies has already had surgery on the shoulder and has been advised not to play again. It’s a huge loss for the club and the hunt is now on for a replacement hooker to step in until the return of Ben Morrill (currently working his way back to fitness following knee surgery).
Huddersfield Falcons 22 – 19 Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV
Huddersfield Falcons edged out Sheffield Tigers’ second XV in a tight pre-season encounter at Lockwood Park.
It was an encouraging first run-out for the Falcons against competitive opposition.
Huddersfield started well and put Sheffield under immediate pressure in their own half before scoring a try after just five minutes.
Sheffield managed to gain a foothold in the match after that but it wasn’t before sustained Huddersfield pressure resulted in another try.
A torrential downpour bogged the game down towards the end of the first half but Huddersfield maintained their dominance till half-time.
Sheffield managed a quick try at the start of the second half following an unfortunate Huddersfield spill, though the conversion was scuffed.
What followed was a scrappy ten minutes where neither team could seem to hold the ball for more than a couple of passes.
Sheffield began to take charge of proceedings and scored two tries in quick succession after prolonged pressure to take the lead 17-12.
Huddersfield levelled shortly afterwards with a try and finally moved back in front with a late try to see them home in the first pre-season action of the season.
