Veteran McNamara delivers parting gift to Huddersfield

The veteran Steve McNamara came off the bench to keep Huddersfield's impressive home run going yesterday and steer them a step closer to the Super League play-offs with a 26-14 victory over Wakefield.

McNamara, who was refused a playing contract by the Giants for next season last week, stepped in to rescue the panic-stricken home side with a last-minute try, which he converted himself.

He showed no lack of commitment despite having already agreed to rejoin former club Bradford in a coaching role for next term. His efforts were vital because Huddersfield looked like throwing away a big lead against a Wakefield team who have nothing left to play for following Halifax's relegation.

The Wildcats were within one score of drawing level when Paul Handforth converted Dallas Hood's 36th-minute try and then added two penalties just after the break to make the score 18-14. But the Giants centre, Jamie Bloem, kept cool under pressure to kick a long-range penalty on 68 minutes to give Huddersfield some breathing space. And McNamara made sure of victory with his late intervention.

The full-back Daryl Cardiss, who made 16 losing appearances for Halifax, celebrated his first victory of 2003 after helping his new club, Warrington, maintain their Super League play-off chase with a 30-16 win over Widnes on Saturday.