Super 8s: Catalans Dragons edge London Broncos
Last Updated: 07/08/17 10:20am
Catalans Dragons managed to secure their second win in eight games as they came from behind to defeat London Broncos 20-18 in their opening Super 8s Qualifiers fixture.
Despite facing Kingstone Press Championship opposition, Super League side Dragons struggled to break down the Broncos, who could have won the game had they made the most of their scoring opportunities.
Former Dragon William Barthau almost scored a hat-trick as the visitors flirted with victory, the Broncos half-back dropping the ball twice when close to touching down over the line.
Catalans were reeling following Tony Gigot's late withdrawal after his ban for an anti-doping offence was restored to two years.
London took an early lead as Barthau latched onto a break by Matt Davis to juggle the ball before touching down. Jarrod Sammut added the conversion to give the Broncos a six-point advantage.
Catalans levelled in the 14th minute when Luke Walsh attacked the London line before putting in a reverse kick towards the posts and Richie Myler managed to collect and touch down just before the dead-ball line - the try being awarded on the video official's approval.
The Dragons continued to attack, but poor handling prevented the home side from taking the lead.
London went ahead when an error by Vincent Duport was pounced on and, from a scrum, Alex Walker sent Rhys Williams charging over in the left corner.
Brayden Wiliame broke down the left and charged over Api Pewhairangi to touch down with 20 seconds remaining of the first half.
Catalans dominated the early stages of the second half but failed to break through the stubborn London defence.
Just before the hour mark, London were rewarded for their industry and hard work when Sammut kicked a goal from bang in front of the posts to level the game at 12-12.
Walsh added a penalty 16 minutes from time to edge the Catalans in front and four minutes later a smart shift in direction from Myler saw them attack down the short side and create an overlap that allowed Louis Anderson to charge over.
Walsh added the conversion to take the score to 20-12 and crucially give the hosts an eight-point advantage which was to prove vital in the last minute of the game when Mark Ioane crossed the whitewash, with Sammut adding the conversion attempt as the hooter sounded.
