DESPITE a late comeback Warrington’s Grand Final hopes were dashed by Huddersfield in an epic contest.

The Giants were coasting to victory after producing a near-perfect first 40 minutes to establish a 23-0 interval lead, courtesy of tries from Lee Gilmour, Kevin Brown, Danny Kirmond and Stephen Wild and three goals from Warrington-bound skipper Brett Hodgson.

But the Wolves staged a terrific comeback to cut the lead to 28-22 and were pushing for an equalising score when centre Leroy Cudjoe clinched an epic triumph with a 90-metre interception try.

Hooker Mickey Higham sparked Warrington’s revival and was rewarded with two of their four second-half tries, but coach Tony Smith admitted they were left to rue a disappointing first-half performance.

“I’m glad we made a game of it in the second half,” he said. “I’m sure it was an exciting finish for the fans but unfortunately we left ourselves way too much to do.

“I’ve got to give credit to Huddersfield. Their tactics in the first half hurt us. We didn’t cope with them very well.

“They’ve been on the back end of a few score- lines against us so all credit to Nathan for turning his troops around.”

Their reward will be a semi-final trip next Friday to St Helens, where they have not won since 1978.

Defending champions Leeds have a home tie against League leaders Wigan on Saturday.

SUMMARY: engage Super League Final Eliminator: Warrington (0) 22. Tries: Higham 2, Hicks 2. Goals: Westwood 3. Huddersfield (23) 34. Tries: Wild, Kirmond, Gilmour, Brown, Cudjoe. Goals: B. Hodgson 6. Drop Goals: Brough 2. Att: 8,050