Huddersfield took the derby honours against neighbours Halifax, but only after the National League One outfit had showcased their Super League ambitions with a gutsy performance.

The Giants made the best possible start, opening up a 12-0 lead inside five minutes with tries from Ryan Hudson and Luke Robinson. Chris Thorman, shifted to stand off after his nightmare at full-back against Wakefield last weekend, converted both tries.

Things got worse for the home side after 15 minutes, when Giants wingman Rod Jensen touched down in the corner from Paul Whatuira's kick through to open up a 16-0 advantage.

But Halifax hit back just before the quarter mark, prop Frank Watene touching down after Sean Penkywicz's grubber kick rebounded off Giants number one Leroy Cudjoe.

Graham Holroyd added the extras, and the National League One side came more into the game as Huddersfield made a rash of handling errors.

And they cut the gap to four points just before the half hour, hooker Mick Govin diving on Holroyd's grubber kick to score and the stand-off adding the conversion.

Replacement hooker Tom Hemingway gave the Giants breathing space at half-time, plunging over from close range four minutes before the break and Thorman kicking his side into a 22-12 lead.

Huddersfield drew first blood in the second half too, Jamahl Lolesi and Kevin Brown touching down to push the visitors' advantage out to 32-12.

Halifax persisted though, substitutes David Wrench and Damian Gibson scoring to put the contest back in the balance at 32-24.

But late tries from Andy Raleigh and Robinson sealed victory for the Giants.