Catalans Dragons 20-14 Hull FC: Thomas Bosc stars as Hull suffer in Perpignan
Last Updated: 13/06/15 8:47pm
Thomas Bosc made a winning return for Catalans Dragons as they moved two points clear of Hull FC in seventh place in the First Utility Super League with a 20-14 victory over the Black and Whites in Perpignan.
Hull had ran up eight wins out of 10 prior to their trip to the Stade Gilbert Brutus but it was the home side who prevailed in the searing heat to move on to 18 points from 18 games, two points off fourth spot.
Bosc was key for the hosts as the France half-back, who has played only once in the past five weeks, levelled the game for Catalans - with further tries from Tony Gigot and Greg Mounis, while Scott Dureau added the extras - as they came from behind twice to win.
The visitors went ahead through Jordan Rankin before Mark Minichiello crossed over 13 minutes after the break and Marc Sneyd was on target with three goals.
The return of Bosc gave the Dragons some real organisation and they dominated the early stages, nullifying former players Leon Pryce and Setaimata Sa who were back in Perpignan with the Black and Whites.
Despite the home side starting well it was Hull who scored first as Rankin scored under the posts after supporting a half-break from Joe Westerman. Sneyd added an easy conversion.
But Bosc then levelled the game as he followed up a Remi Casty break to go in under the posts himself, with Dureau firing over the conversion.
Sneyd added a penalty on the half-hour to give Lee Radford's side the lead once again before Catalans finished in impressive fashion, scoring two tries in the closing four minutes of the first half.
Gigot raced 40 metres after intercepting Sneyd's pass before Mounis powered his way over on the half-time hooter to give the hosts an 18-8 lead at the break, with Dureau having converted both.
But the impressive Minichiello scored a superb individual effort to get Hull back in with a shout after the restart, scoring after pushing away five Catalans defenders. Sneyd's conversion narrowed Catalans' lead to four points.
Both sides threatened to score further points throughout the second half but the closest anyone came was when Fetuli Talanoa had a try wiped off by the video officials for an earlier obstruction.
Dureau managed to hold his nerve to add a penalty six minutes from time to extend Catalans' lead to a full score and the home side hung on for a vital win.