Huddersfield (26) 38
Tries: Robinson, Patrick, Carlile, Lolesi, Lunt 3Goals: Cudjoe 5Drop:
Rochdale (0)
Tries: Fogerty, Ainscough Goals: Giles 2

Lunt switched from loose forward and stand-off

A hat-trick from Shaun Lunt was the highlight of a seven-try display as Huddersfield reached the Challenge Cup last eight with a win over Rochdale.

The hosts ran in four tries in the first half through Luke Robinson, Lunt, Keal Carlile and Jamahl Lolesi for a 26-0 half-time lead.

Lunt notched his second after the break but Rochdale hit back with tries from Mick Fogerty and Martin Ainscough.

And hooker Lunt scored his third with a 75th-minute score from close range.

The Giants rested eight first-team players, handing debuts to teenagers Carlile and Josh Griffin, with starts for Lunt and Larne Patrick.

Rochdale also made changes, with Brett Robinson, Dave Houghton and Matt Strong making their debuts after signing from Widnes on loan.

And inevitably the National League One side were overwhelmed by their Super League opponents, although their endeavour and work ethic was rewarded with two second-half tries.

Huddersfield assistant coach Paul Anderson:
"We knew the fluency wouldn't be there because of the changes we made.

"The performance probably wasn't great but we always knew it would be difficult because we made so many changes.

"I'm really pleased for the kids. Larne Patrick, Keal Carlile and Josh Griffin all did well."

Rochdale coach Darren Shaw:
"In the first half we let ourselves down and maybe gave them too much respect.

"But the second half was outstanding. Our completion rate increased and we asked some questions. It was nice to come up with a few tries. There were a load of positives for us."

Huddersfield: Cudjoe, Lawrence, Lolesi, J. Griffin, Aspinwall, Hemingway, Robinson, Jackson, Lunt, Korkidas, Finnigan, Patrick, Faiumu. Replacements: Crabtree, D. Griffin, Carlile, Walsh.

Rochdale: Giles, Gillam, Fogerty, Cuncliffe, Johnson, Ainscough, Robinson, Houghton, Corcoran, Sinfield, Donoghue, Thomas, Strong. Replacements: Billings, Isherwood, Hough, Rivett.

Referee: G Hewer (Wakefield)

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