Comeback win for Wolves

First-ever hat-trick in vain

Last updated: 20th July 2008

Leroy Cudjoe Huddersfield Giants

Cudjoe: Hat-trick

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High-flying Warrington came back from a 12-point half-time deficit to record a 19-18 victory over Huddersfield in their Super League encounter at the Galpharm Stadium

Giants full-back Leroy Cudjoe scored his first-ever hat-trick in the first half as the home side opened up an 18-6 lead in the opening period.

However, the Wolves fought back after the interval, with Lee Briers' drop goal seven minutes from time ensuring their sixth win in seven matches under new coach James Lowes.

With Huddersfield captain Chris Thorman missing a late chance to snatch a point, the victory strengthens Warrington's play-off prospects.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield remain second from bottom of the table after losing their first home game since Easter.

The Giants, who gave a home debut to Great Britain winger David Hodgson and a first start to ex-Featherstone player Danny Kirmond, were good value for their early lead.

Cudjoe, 21, who scored only one try in his first 12 appearances for Huddersfield, gave them a dream start after two minutes, winning the race to Ryan Hudson's deft kick to the line.

The try stemmed from a fumble by Warrington right winger Chris Riley and it was another defensive error that allowed Cudjoe the chance to score his second on 19 minutes.

Attempting to diffuse a 'bomb' from Luke Robinson, left winger Kevin Penny and full-back Chris Hicks instead collided.

The home side was thus handed a perfect attacking position, from which Thorman sent Cudjoe over.

Thorman added both conversions but Warrington gradually worked their way back into the game.

They pulled a try back after half an hour when Briers sent second rower Ben Westwood through a gap in the home defence.

Hicks, who had earlier opened his side's account with a penalty, could not convert, with Huddersfield stretching their lead four minutes before the interval.

Bursting through the first line of Warrington's defence, Cudjoe held off a last-ditch tackle by Matt King to complete his hat-trick, with Thorman adding the extras.

Fightback

Warrington launched their fightback after 45 minutes when centre Simon Grix fended off the tackle of Stephen Wild to cross.

Briers and Adrian Morley then kept the ball alive for prop Paul Rauhihi to touch down.

Hicks added both conversions to tie the match, with Huddersfield's attempts to regain momentum coming to nought when right-wing pair of Kevin Brown and Martin Aspinwall were both denied tries by video referee Ashley Klein.

Aspinwall then produced a last-ditch tackle to deny substitute Andy Bracek as the game built to its climax.

Robinson lined up a drop-goal attempt in front of the Warrington posts only to knock the ball on.

But Briers had no difficulty maintaining his composure at the other end to land the all-important one-pointer.

Thorman's chance to level came after he got in position for a drop-goal attempt; however, his kick went narrowly wide.