In-form Huddersfield Giants made it five Betfred Super League victories in succession with a thrilling 26-25 home victory over Catalans Dragons.
After fighting their way back from an 18-0 deficit, the hosts eventually sealed victory in the 77th minute when scrum-half Oliver Russell landed a 15-metre penalty from in front of the posts.
What a comeback! Huge two points for @Giantsrl #SLHudCat pic.twitter.com/eKazlP18FW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 15, 2018
It was the boot of birthday boy Josh Drinkwater, 26, which did all of the damage in the opening quarter as the Dragon set up three tries for Brayden Wiliame, Vincent Duport and David Mead.
Alex Mellor replied but Julian Bousquet and Tony Gigot combined close to the Huddersfield line to send Remi Casty over under the posts.
Darrnell McIntosh and Jermaine McGillvary reduced the deficit to eight before half-time and it was all Huddersfield at the start of the second half, with Adam O’Brien squirming over from acting half-back.
🙌ðŸ¥Welcome to Super League Simon Woolford #WelcomeWoolford #COYG pic.twitter.com/PuEL00mJ4T
— Huddersfield Giants (@Giantsrl) June 15, 2018
McGillvary raced the length of the field, with Russell this time on target to level up at 24-24 with 16 minutes remaining.
Michael McIlorum’s drop-goal hit a post and bounced back but there was no denying Gigot his one-pointer, but Huddersfield responded through Russell's penalty.
The away side looked to have snatched it with 90 seconds left on the clock, but Benjamin Julien’s effort was ruled offside.
Catalans boss Steve McNamara said: “There should have been only one team walking away from this game with the win, and that was us.
“I have to credit Huddersfield for the way they came back at us."
Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford added: "I have to praise my players for the way they dug in and kept battling the way they did after going 18-0 down early on.
“This was a huge two points for us.”
