Dragons edge Wolves thriller
Catalan Dragons produced a terrific display to record a thrilling 29-28 win over Warrington Wolves in Perpignan on Saturday evening.
Last Updated: 24/07/10 9:18pm
Catalan Dragons produced a terrific display as they recorded a thrilling 29-28 victory over Warrington Wolves in Perpignan on Saturday evening.
The French outfit turned the form guide on its head as they belied their status as Super League's basement boys to edge out the team currently sat second in the table.
The triumph also provided the Dragons with a welcome psychological boost ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final with the same opposition in two weeks.
From the off the hosts looked to dominate and played with a freedom and style that saw them take an early lead when Frederic Vaccari pounced on Thomas Bosc's clever kick in the fifth minute. Bosc converted the try to give the hosts a solid start.
Warrington were back on terms courtesy of a stunning 70-metre dash by Chris Hicks - the winger outpacing the spread-eagled home defence after the ball was knocked down in the tackle by a Warrington hand. Ben Westwood added the extras.
But Catalans restored their lead as rugged Australian Dane Carlaw finished well following a superb flicked pass by half-back Brent Sherwin - Bosc again successful with his conversion attempt.
The home side extended that advantage just five minutes later when a try mirroring the earlier effort by Vaccari saw Sherwin put in a kick for Steven Bell to touch down just before the in-goal line, although Bosc this time failed with his attempt from the touchline.
Ten points down, Warrington rallied to haul themselves level by the break as first Hicks scooted home after a long pass out wide from Richie Mathers.
Westwood converted and they restored parity moments later when Jon Clarke went through a big hole in the Catalans defence after a superb ball by Lee Briers.
Fast start to second half
But it was the Dragons who made much the better start after interval, Cyril Stacul opened the scoring when a Dallas Johnson delayed pass found the stand-in full-back lurking at the back of the ruck - Bosc converted the try to give the Dragons another six point lead.
They doubled that advantage four minutes later after Chris Riley gifted possession to the Dragons, Bosc eventually slipping inside to Remi Casty who rampaged over from close range.
Warrington regrouped and halved the deficit as David Solomona's fine pass allowed Vinnie Anderson an easy opportunity out wide on the left - Westwood slotting the subsequent conversion to narrow the Catalans' lead to six points.
But Sherwin was then to add what would prove a crucial drop-goal with 17 minutes remaining to give his side a little breathing space.
They were to need it as Briers side-stepped his way to the Dragons' line four minutes from time with Westwood's conversion getting them back within a point.
But the hosts held firm to secure a welcome victory and will now head into their Cup semi-final in high spirits.