Dragons get Wake-up call
Wakefield put an end to their five-match losing run in impressive fashion with a 32-22 triumph over an out-of-sorts Catalan Dragons.
Last Updated: 25/03/12 6:28pm
Wakefield put an end to their five-match losing run in the Stobart Super League with an impressive 32-22 win over an out-of-sorts Catalan Dragons.
Peter Fox scored two of the home side's five tries, the Wildcats leading 30-6 after 51 minutes of the match at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium
The Dragons did come roaring back in the closing stages, Scott Dureau, Vincent Duport and Clint Greenshields all scoring late tries to cut the gap to just eight points.
That, though, would be as close as they would get, Wakefield stand-off Isaac John closing out the game with a penalty right on the final hooter.
The French side had simply left themselves with too much to do in the final quarter, paying the price for a sluggish opening half when their only points came courtesy of a Gregory Mounis try that was converted by Dureau.
The Wildcats were easily good value for their 24-6 lead at the break, winger Ben Cockayne opening the scoring after 12 minutes with his seventh try of an already-productive campaign.
Stunning breakaway
Fox and Andy Raleigh then touched down in the space of five minutes midway through the first half to put the home team in complete control, and the former then closed out the half with a stunning 80-metre breakaway effort.
John was on target with all four first-half conversions and added a further two to his team's tally with a penalty in the 45th minute.
When former Huddersfield forward Danny Kirmond touched down to open up a massive 24-point gap, Wakefield looked home and hosed.
Yet the Dragons struck back almost immediately through Dureau before Duport's 64th-minute try set the nerves jangling amongst the home fans.
A four-man move spanning over 70 metres put Greenshields in with six minutes to play, half-back Dureau knocking over the conversion to make it 30-22 with time still left on the clock.
However the Wildcats refused to wilt under the late pressure, bravely keeping their opponents out before John sealed the victory with a late penalty.