Leeds Rhinos woes continue with 24-12 defeat to Catalans at Headingley
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 04/06/16 11:01am
Leeds Rhinos remain firmly rooted to the bottom of Super League following a 24-12 defeat to Catalans at Headingley on Friday evening.
First half tries from Justin Horo, Fouad Yaha and Jason Baiteri and a late score from Eloi Pelissier was enough to secure victory for the French side, despite a spirited performance from Leeds, which included tries from Brett Ferris and Josh Walters.
Victory ensures Catalans remain third in Super League, behind league leaders Hull and Warrington who both also won in Friday's round of fixtures.
It was Leeds who started the better of the two sides and deservedly went ahead when the experienced Ferres spun through a weak tackle to go over inside the opening ten minutes of the match. Jordan Lilley added the extras.
The visitors hit back immediately when New Zealand lock Horo expertly collected a Carney grubber kick to touch down. The former Sydney Rooster then successfully converted to level the scores at 6-6.
After a number of sets inside the Leeds half, the Dragons eventually went in front for the first time when 19 year-old winger Yaha collected a cross-field kick to touch down for an unconverted try in the corner.
And the French club extended their advantage further when Baiteri capitalised on a knock-on in the Rhinos defence to touch down for a six-pointer underneath the posts.
Leeds came out in the second half with renewed energy and almost found a second try, but Joel Moon was unable to find Tom Briscoe with the decisive final pass.
And the Rhinos were made to pay when Carney successfully kicked a two-point penalty after Mitch Garbutt had been penalised for a high tackle.
Brian McDermott's side looked to be on course for yet another comprehensive defeat at 18- 6 but, with ten minutes remaining in the match, Walters pulled a try back after Catalans failed to deal with a Briscoe grubber.
The home side continued to push for a third try in the closing stages but were unable to capitalise on a sustained period of possession 10m from the Catalans line.
And, right on the final hooter, Pelissier crossed over for the Dragons' fourth try of the match to condemn the Rhinos to their 11th consecutive defeat in all competitions.