Dragons roar in Jones' farewell
Catalans Dragons gave the retiring Stacey Jones the perfect send-off with a 30-14 win over Harlequins.
By Rob Lancaster
Last Updated: 17/09/07 1:25pm
Catalans Dragons gave the retiring Stacey Jones the perfect send-off with a 30-14 win over Harlequins.
The legendary scrum-half, recognised as a modern great in the sport, managed five conversions in his farewell appearance.
He was also at his inspirational best in open play, setting up one of two tries for Jon Wilson with a trademark high kick.
Clint Greenshields also crossed twice for the Dragons, who finish their second Super League season in 10th spot, a vast improvement on last year's wooden spoon.
Late rally
They had to hold off a late second-half rally from Harlequins after being 18-4 up at the break.
Winger Cyril Stacul grabbed the hosts' first try in the 12th minute and that was quickly followed up by a first for Wilson, who strolled over after Adam Mogg had sucked in the defence.
Quins finally got on the scoreboard in the 26th minute through Paul Sykes, only to concede again on the stroke of half-time when Greenshields dived over from close range.
When Wilson reeled in Jones' bomb under the posts to complete his brace, Les Catalans were 20 points up and in complete control.
Comeback
They allowed their opponents to battle back though, with Sykes grabbing a second in his final appearance for Harlequins before Tony Clubb crossed just after the hour mark.
It wasn't until the closing minutes that the Dragons finally sealed the victory, as Greenshields burst through some tired tacklers to score under the posts.
Fittingly Jones had the final duty of the match, slotting over the extras to round out a perfect kicking display to the delight of the home crowd.
Catalans Dragons (18) 30.Tries: Stacul, Wilson 2, Greenshields 2.
Goals: Jones 5.
Harlequins RL (4) 14.
Tries: Sykes 2, Clubb.
Goals: Sykes.
Att: 8,420