Defence provides the key as Huddersfield end losing streak

Huddersfield ended a 10-match losing streak with an emphatic, six-try crushing of the side just above them in the table.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Huddersfield started to get on top and dominated the second quarter.

Stand-off Chris Johnson went over for their opening try and added the first of his six successful conversions.

Ten minutes later, open-side flanker Mark Whitehead crossed and Donovan Van Vuuren and tight-head prop Tony Springwell rounded off a super spell to see Huddersfield turn round 28-0 in front.

Even though they have been unable to put the victories together, Huddersfield are one of only two clubs in the lower half of the table with a positive points difference and they were determined to make sure their defence was strong again.

Playing intelligent rugby, without taking chances, they kept out Broadstreet and still managed to run in two more tries.

Hooker James Davies crashed over on the hour and second-row Nick Sharpe rounded things off just before the final whistle.

The victory lifted Huddersfield within three points of their opponents and seven clear of second-from-bottom Bradford & Bingley.

Macclesfield 61

Harrogate 5

HARROGATE'S injury crisis led to several players being in unfamiliar roles and tight-head prop Jonathon McMillan playing against medical advice.

The positives gleaned against the top points scorers in the national leagues, included tireless performances from back-row duo Dan Harland and Tim Heaton.

Chris Harris and Steve Parsons were the pick of the backs and debutant centre Luke Edwards, 18, also played soundly.

A penalty and a drop goal from Ross Winney edged the hosts ahead but it took them 30 minutes to score their first try.

Most of their tries have come from their back-row and it was easy to see why. The first came from last season's Loughborough captain, Evan Stewart, who dived over at the back of a drive. He got another similar try almost immediately and a third was illegally prevented by Harrogate's Harland, who was binned.

Forwards Dan Baines and Matt Owen scored before the break, Winney converting.

Ben Reaveley replaced the injured McMillan and stabilised Harrogate's scrum but Richard Hughes scored another home try before Parsons sent Harris diving over for the visitors.

Harrogate should probably have been awarded a penalty try as full-back Rob McDermott was carded. He returned to add a try to two from flanker Chris Jones.