By Ivaylo Ivanov
Huddersfield battled to a well-deserved draw and could have got even more from the Saturday’s afternoon clash against the table leaders Ampthill.
The game finished 17-17 and was a huge disappointment for the guests who came to Lockwood Park with much higher expectations.
A superbly-fought eighty minutes secured Huddersfield the two points in the league table as team currently occupies the 9th position with 25 points. Whereas leaders Ampthill dropped a place down and are 2nd now with 47 points.
The first forty minutes of the game were more than difficult for the table leaders as well-organised team of Huddersfield went on the attack.
During the second half the guests took advantage and tuned up for a win but in the last minutes of the game a forceful Field equalised and could have even won but a missed Conversion by Christopher Bell saved Ampthill from defeat.
Huddersfield went into the game looking fearless which resulted in an early try by David Hall in the 3rd minute. Chris Bell converted and Filed was already 7 points ahead.
But Ampthill’s response was lighting as just several moments later Joe Bercis crossed the line scoring a try. Joe Tarrant scored the conversion to equalize the result.
Huddersfield had the chance to take the lead again in the 16th minute when the team was awarded a penalty but Chris Bell missed.
A pressure by Ampthill followed and the team took the lead in the 26th minute when Joe Tarrant scored a try to make the result 7-12.
But just before halftime the score was levelled by Ben Mitchell who crossed the line after a spectacular run down the right wing.
Huddersfield again was the team to create more chances in the beginning of the second half but the team was unpleasantly surprised in the 57th minute as Bray Lee scored a try to make it 12-17.
The guests continued to put pressure after the try, looking to extend their advantage but perfect home defence stopped all their attempts.
Huddersfield reorganised and after the 70th minute rushed into attack which gave a result in the 76th minute when Elliot Hodgson scored an equalising try.
Bell missed the conversion but it could not put a damper on what had been a wonderful Huddersfield display against one of the title favourites.
Huddersfield: Hall, Hodgson, Mitchell, Owen, Clark, Bell, Jeffrey, Battye, Thornton, Sanderson, Thompson, Rhodes, Malthouse, Hoyle, Sharpe.
Huddersfield substitutes: Walker, Purcell, Bills, Lewis, Hinchliffe.
Ampthill: Lynch, Anker, Burke, Raven, Dyer, Tarrant, Barratt, Brunger, Bloisi, Collins, Hehea, Bray, Nutley, Bercis, Burke.
Ampthill substitutes: Morris, Ma-Asi, McCloud, Duffin, Williams
