Stobart Super League XVII Round 21 Review

Catalan Dragons                     15
Tries:   Duport, Raguin
Goals:  Dureau 3
Drop Goal: Dureau

St Helens                                 20
Tries:   Hohaia, Meli, Flannery, Makinson
Goals:  Makinson 2

Att:      10,387

St Helens moved above opponents Catalan Dragons with a hard fought win at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium in Perpignan.

It was Third against fourth as Saints were hoping to gain revenge for their last minute defeat at home earlier on this year.

The French home side started better and took the lead through Vincent Duport. Scott Dureau added the extras and then a further penalty goal on nine minutes to make it 8-0.

Saints gradually got back into the game and hit back when Lance Hohaia stepped his way over under the posts. Tommy Makinson added the simple conversion.

Now in control Hohaia laid on his sides second score by sending Francis Meli over in the corner with a superb long pass.

But in a see-saw game, Catalan hit back to lead 15-10 at half time. Sebastien Raguin dive over the line to score. Dureau added the conversion and then on the hooter he slotted over a one pointer.

St Helens made a strong start to the second period attacking from the off and Jonny Lomax came up with a superb short ball to send Chris Flannery charging over. Makinson added the conversion to see the visitors re-take the lead 16-15.

Shortly after it became 20-15 as a high kick from Hohaia was allowed to bounce by Cyril Stacul, and Tommy Makinson managed to juggle the ball before putting it down over the line with one hand.

Catalan now upped the tempo and got over the line on two occasions, but efforts from Damien Cardace and Raguin were chalked off by the referee.

With time running out Tony Puletua was given his marching orders for attacking the head of Gregory Mounis. Controversially Cardace had try ruled out by the video referee for push by Daryl Millard, which was harsh as the visitors held on for the win.

 

Leeds Rhinos                          34
Tries:   Watkins 2, Lunt, Hardaker, McGuire, Sinfield
Goals:  Sinfield 4, Hardaker

Bradford Bulls                                    16
Tries:   Whitehead, Elima, Pryce
Goals:  Gale 2

Att:      18,520

Leeds Rhinos kept up their good form by getting the better of great rivals Bradford Bulls at a packed Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Still under the threat of liquidation, Bradford had a big following thanks to Leeds