Saints take top spot
Gary Wheeler scored a late try as St Helens came from behind to beat Catalans Dragons 32-28.
Last Updated: 16/05/09 8:55pm
St Helens have gone one point clear in the Super League table after coming from behind to beat Catalans Dragons 32-28 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
The win was Saints' second in as many weekends against the French side, coming as it did on the heels of their 42-8 Challenge Cup win at Knowsley Road.
As the scoreline suggests, Mick Potter did not have such a comfortable ride against his former employers on this occasion - the Dragons holding a 22-10 lead at half-time.
However, the visitors were unstoppable after the break and ran in three tries in 15 minutes without reply before surviving a late Catalans revival to wrap up the win.
The hosts scored first after just four minutes when Steven Bell went over and Thomas Bosc converted.
St Helens then missed the chance to level on the quarter hour when Ade Gardner's try went unconverted.
The Dragons extended their advantage when Bosc himself went over before finding the target with the extras.
But Paul Wellens responded with another try a minute later and, this time, Sean Long was accurate with the conversion.
Momentum soon swung back in favour of the home side though and Catalans hit back with two tries in four minutes, Bosc and Bell crossing once again.
Even so, the Frenchman was only able to convert his own effort.
Potter's side really came to life after the restart, with Gardner adding his second try a minute in.
Francis Meli crossed 10 minutes later, with Leon Pryce getting his name on the scoresheet shortly afterwards - Long kicking two out of the three conversions.
Les Catalans refused to give up, however, and went ahead once more when Adam Mogg crossed with seven minutes remaining.
But Gary Wheeler then added a final try for the visitors to seal the victory and condemn Catalans to a fifth straight defeat.