Catalans Dragons add to Huddersfield Giants struggles with 16-14 win

By Andy Charles

Image: Tony Gigot was among the tryscorers for the Dragons

Catalans Dragons moved back into second place in the Super League with a tense 16-14 win over the struggling Huddersfield Giants in Perpignan.

Louis Anderson, Justin Horo and Tony Gigot scored tries for the Dragons at Stade Gilbert Brutus, where they held off a late rally from Huddersfield to claim the points.

Defeat was an 11th of the season for the Giants who find themselves in a very unusual-looking bottom two, ahead of treble winners Leeds Rhinos on points difference alone.

They made the better start and, after Danny Brough made it 2-0 with a goal, took an eight-point lead when a break from deep by Jermaine McGillvary and a quick pass from Ryan Hinchcliffe set Nathan Mason clear for a try under the posts.

Anderson made the most of a gap in the Giants defence to cut the deficit, with Pat Richards adding the extras, but the Giants maintained their two-point lead until half-time.

Advertisement

However they were eventually undone by a costly five-minute spell 10 minutes into the second-half.

Some sublime skill from former Giant Jodie Broughton set up Horo for a second Dragons try on 51 and, after the Giants were pegged back by penalties, Todd Carney released Gigot to add their third and make it 16-8.

Also See:

Huddersfield hopes were restored 15 minutes from time when Ryan Brierley set up a side-stepping Jake Connor for a try but despite concerted pressure they were unable to add to their score and the home side were able to celebrate their 10th win of the season.

The Dragons are now one of three teams tied on 20 points at the top of the table, but Warrington could move two points clear on Sunday if they are able to beat Wakefield.

Outbrain