Super Salford topple Giants

Adam Sidlow was the unlikely hero for Salford as his late brace of tries clinched 38-34 victory for the City Reds over Huddersfield in Manchester.

Prop Sidlow trebled his try tally for the season to condemn the struggling Giants to a third consecutive defeat in the Stobart Super League.

A see-saw contest at the Magic Weekend at the Etihad Stadium saw the lead change hands no less than six times, with a brace of tries from another forward, Eorl Crabtree, appearing to put Huddersfield on course for victory.

Instead, though, it was Salford that was left celebrating at the final whistle, their first triumph in four games keeping alive their play-off hopes.

Try feast

Joel Moon began the 13-try feast after only two minutes, touching down after winger Jodie Broughton had somehow managed to flick the ball back from the touchline.

Giants captain Kevin Brown, whose end-of-season move to Widnes rocked the club on the eve of the game, pulled a try back and they then went ahead when Danny Brough finished off a flowing move.

However, Salford turned on the style to score three superbly-crafted tries in an 18-minute spell to open up a 22-10 lead.

Full-back Luke Patten was involved in all three scores, offloading from the tackle to get Moon over for his second and cleverly switching the point of attack to create the space for centre Sean Gleeson to touch down.

The Australian then had a hand in a try for left winger Broughton, Daniel Holdsworth converting for his third goal.

Huddersfield brought themselves back into the game when Scott Grix's delayed pass got second-rower Michael Lawrence through a gap for a third try in first-half stoppage time, Brough's second goal cutting the gap to six.

The Giants then seemed to seize control of the game with a quick-fire brace from Crabtree, Brough kicking his fourth goal to put his side 28-22 ahead.

But the never-say-die Reds roared back and Moon would have completed a hat-trick but for losing the ball under pressure from Leroy Cudjoe over the line.

Plunged over

The centre did manage to get Broughton over for his second try on the hour mark that trimmed the Giants' lead to just two points, and the Reds regained the lead five minutes later when Sidlow plunged over.

Salford had the chance to wrap up the win when Patten's outstretched arm kept the ball in play but second-rower Matty Ashurst could not control the touchdown.

Huddersfield made the most of the let-off by working their way upfield and hooker Scott Moore broke through to get Brough over for his second try, one which looked to have finally settled the outcome.

Yet Salford simply refused to be beaten, regaining possession to set up the chance for Sidlow to accept Smith's pass and get over on the last tackle.

There was still time for the drama to continue when Luke Robinson got Jason Chan charging for the line only to be recalled for a forward pass, meaning Salford escaped to victory.