Stefan Ratchford

To say that the weather conditions for this game is probably an understatement, as the Warrington Wolves and the Huddersfield Giants went to battle in what can only be described as blizzard-like conditions.

Despite the atrocious conditions, however, it was the Wolves who came out on top as they proved far too good for the Super League leaders Huddersfield – with coach Tony Smith ecstatic with the way his side defended in this game.

“It was tough, good old-traditional winter rugby league,” said Smith.

“It was probably as well that the cameras weren’t here because they wouldn’t have been able to see the ball.

“You’ve got to compliment everybody who was out there – both sides and the officials – because the conditions were extreme.

“The players really did put their bodies on the line and our boys handled the conditions exceptionally well.

“Our defensive effort was enormous. To keep a team try-less is no mean feat. The big boys in the middle did a fantastic job and those fast backs came in and finished it off.”

Giants coach Paul Anderson chose not to dwell on the loss and has no excuses for it, instead admitting that his side just could not cope with the weather conditions as well as the home side did.

“It was pretty extreme out there,” he said.

“I thought every person who turned up today deserves some credit.

“Those that travelled across the Pennines deserve a medal and probably deserve a bit better than we gave them.

“We had a couple of lapses here and there and good sides take advantage of that. I also thought Warrington defended really well.

“I’m glad we played the game, although I’m not chuffed with the scoreline.

“We came here to do a job but we never really got going. I am blaming the conditions a bit but the sheer weight of possession got us in the end.

“Warrington handled the conditions better than we did. We were beaten by a better team on the night.”

By ricky

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.