Crabtree off the mark in Giants' return to form

Huddersfield put an end to what their coach, Nathan Brown, called a bad month with an outstanding 40-18 win over St Helens to go second in Super League. Eorl Crabtree, who had not previously touched down this season, scored two tries, while Danny Brough tormented Saints with his running and kicking game.

The Giants made light of the loss of their loose forward, Luke O'Donnell, in the warm-up. His hamstring strain makes him doubtful for Sunday's Challenge Cup tie against Catalan Dragons, but those problems pale alongside those of St Helens.

They lost Chris Flannery in the warm-up and Josh Perry with a broken bone in his hand during the game to take their injured list to a round dozen. Brown said his side had been urged on by big wins for two of their main rivals the previous night.

On Friday, Warrington were rampant against Castleford, running in 62 points without reply to stay top of the table. Matt King and Lee Briers both crossed twice, whilst the young half-back Gareth O'Brien made an eye-catching Super League debut with the first try and a role in others.

If anything, Wigan were even more dominant against Harlequins, piling up a 42-point half-time lead, before easing off to win 54-6. Pat Richards, Sam Tomkins and Thomas Leuluai all scored two tries apiece.

Leeds had trouble with the Catalans, only pulling away in the last few minutes to win 30-6. Former Featherstone winger, Zak Hardaker, made a big contribution with two tries.

Hull maintained improved form with a 32-16 victory at Salford, with Martin Gleeson claiming two tries. Crusaders won the battle of the two clubs deducted points for entering administration by beating Wakefield 23-10.