Super League: Catalans resist Leeds fightback for 32-28 win
Last Updated: 29/02/16 12:12pm
Despite a Leeds fightback, Catalans Dragons recorded a 32-28 win over the defending champion Rhinos in their Super League clash at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Jordan Lilley had two conversions go wide in the final 10 minutes as the Rhinos failed to claim any points in Perpignan.
With 10 minutes remaining the home side were 30-20 ahead before Ash Handley dotted down to make it a six-point game after the conversion was missed by Lilley.
Catalans then added a penalty from right in front of the poles as Pat Richards put distance between the two sides. A magic bit of play then unfolded as Kallum Watkins ran a good line to break the Dragons defence before rounding the final defender to score.
But Lilley could not add the extras as Leeds fell short at the final hurdle in tough conditions in France.
Both sides started the game with a nervous edge, knowing the beaten side would end the weekend bottom of the table.
Catalans opened the scoring, Taylor latching on to Todd Carney's neat inside ball to score to the right of the posts in the sixth minute, with Pat Richards converting. Leeds levelled after 22 minutes as Watkins pounced on Gigot's error in his own in-goal area to score and Lilley converted.
With five minutes remaining of the first half, Myler scored arguably the try of the game, collecting Jodie Broughton's kick to touch down under the posts. Richards added the conversion to reinstate the hosts' six-point-lead.
Leeds were then awarded a penalty on the half-time hooter and Lilley narrowed the Rhinos' deficit at the interval to 12-8.
However there was no let-up for the defending champions as Catalans started the second half in scintillating form, scoring twice in the opening five minutes.
Krisnan Inu scored a superb solo effort, dummying and stepping his way to the line from 40 metres out. Richards again converted to give the hosts a 10-point advantage.
It got better for the home side as they marched upfield without Leeds touching the ball to score again. Glenn Stewart and Carney combined to send Gigot over under the posts, and Richards sent another conversion over to make it 24-8.
The score sparked a Leeds comeback as they responded with two tries of their own. Watkins sent Achurch racing away down the right, and he in turn fed Liam Sutcliffe to race over for the score.
Leeds were in again six minutes later as Sutcliffe and Joel Moon created space for Ryan Hall to score unopposed in the left corner. Lilley converted both, making it a four-point game.
On the hour, Taylor charged over under the posts from close range to give the home side some breathing space at 30-20 following the conversion.
Handley and Taylor then traded tries before a penalty from Richards saw Catalans seize an eight-point advantage at 32-24.
Watkins crossed late on for Leeds but there was no way back for the Yorkshiremen, who next face Huddersfield at Headingley on Friday.
