McNamara drop goal boosts Giants

The two departing stalwarts, Jamie Bloem and Steve McNamara, helped Huddersfield Giants extend their unbeaten home Super League run to eight games with a 25-12 win over Widnes.

Bloem, who has not been offered a contract for next season, scored a crucial try just after the visitors had drawn level at 12-12 in the second half. And McNamara, leaving the McAlpine Stadium for a coaching role at Bradford next term, won it with a late drop goal, before Paul March's last-minute converted try gave an unfair look to the scoreline.

A strange penalty decision by the referee, Ashley Klein, just before the break helped dent the Vikings' flagging play-off hopes. Klein ruled out the substitute David Mills' seemingly legitimate try for failing to ground the ball properly after crossing the line. The official awarded the visitors a penalty instead - given for offside against Huddersfield during an earlier move.

The debutant Stephen Myler kicked the goal but the loss of two points at that vital stage cost Widnes dearly. They went in 8-6 down at the interval and Huddersfield piled on the misery when Hefin O'Hare went over for an impressive solo try within minutes of the restart.

The Widnes winger Jason Demetriou dragged the visitors level with a converted try but soon after, Bloem and McNamara came into their own.