In a game where Warrington’s unbeaten start was on the line, the Dragons tamed the Wolves.
MATCH DETAILS
Stade Gilbert Brutus has been a mixed hunting ground for the Warrington Wolves over the last few seasons, picking up a win last year but a loss the year before. The Dragons started the game on the front foot in the opening Wire set where the home side were up in their faces. An early mishap from the Wolves defensive line, saw Josh Charnley take an air swing at a contested kick which saw Brayden Wiliame pounce to score. The try was converted by former Wigan player Sam Tomkins, giving Catalans the lead 6-0.
In a first-half where Warrington looked nowhere near their best, Catalan ran riot. Their second try was scored by Kenny Edwards, receiving a lovely pass from Tony Gigot. Two more conversions from Tomkins saw Catalans lead 14-0. Steve Price’s side did finally get a grip onto the game, straight from a scrum where a simple move was finished off by Stefan Ratchford. A drop goal by Gigot followed, to see Catalan lead 15-6 at the interval.
It really was a disappointing display from unbeaten Warrington team although it shows the character of Steve McNamara’s side to come back to France and dominate a first half versus Warrington. Price must have had some sort of impact on the players in the dressing room at half time, as the Wolves came out and got on the scoreboard first. Dummy-half, Daryl Clark scored to put Warrington right back in it. An easy conversion for Ratchfordย saw Wire cut the lead to three points. Next, after some Warrington pressure, came the turn of centre, Ryan Atkins to score – a great leap off a Dec Patton kick saw Warrington go a point ahead and take the lead for the first time.
With the match entering the final quarter, Catalans leader Remi Casty quickly turned the tables and put the home side right back in the ascendancy. After the Tomkins conversion, the Wire needed to strike back to have any chance of taking the two points back home with them. A break from captain and prop Chris Hill, who’s wonderful pass found Declan Patton to send the young half back over to take Wire within a point of the victory. Stefan Ratchford then converted and the win was in sight. We all know what happens in the dying moments of games to teams of Warrington’s class. When they should be closing the game out, sometimes let themselves down. A penalty was given away, and Tomkins snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
FOUR POINTERS
Second win for Catalans
With just one win in their opening three matches and a game where most people doubted the Dragons, they got the win and that is now their second of the season. I’m sure that’ll spur the Dragons on to win more.
Wires winning run ends
After the first three games were won, it was disappointing for Warrington to be denied the way they were, especially after such a valiant second half performance. In a game where it looked like Warrington were forever on the back foot, they will be determined to put things right against Castleford next Thursday.
Referee not helping Warrington late on?
It’s never right to blame a referee but Wire supporters would argue that it wasn’t a ball steal by Declan Patton three minutes from time, instead a knock on. Hicks gave Catalan the decision which killed the clock and Warrington were denied. In addition, some will say it has nothing to do with the referee as Warrington’s first half performance and poor defensive decisions lost them the match.
Stade Gilbert Brutus just a tough place to go?
As we reflect on a very good victory for Catalans Dragons, is the south of France just a tough place for teams to go? With the Dragons winning eight of their home matches last season, it never seems to be a happy hunting ground for many Super League sides. Warrington being the latest victims in 2019, after Huddersfield.
THE RESULT
Catalans Dragons 23
Tries: B.Wiliame (1), K.Edwards (1), R.Casty (1)
Goals:ย S.Tomkins (5)
Drop Goals:ย T.Gigot (1)
Warrington Wolves 22
Tries:ย S.Ratchford (1), D. Clark (1), R.Atkins (1), D.Patton (1)
Goals:ย S.Ratchford (3)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
SQUADS
Catalans Dragons:ย S.Tomkins, F.Yaha, S.Langi, B.Williame, L.Tierney, T.Gigot, M.Smith, M.Simon, M.McILORUM, S.Moa, B.Jullien, K.Edwards, R.Casty (c)
Interchanges:ย M.Whitley, M.Goudemand, A.Maria, J.Baitieri
Warrington Wolves:ย S.Ratchford, T.Lineham, B.Goodwin, R.Atkins, J.Charnley, B.Austin, D.Patton, C.Hill (c), D.Clark, M.Cooper, T.King, J.Hughes, L.Tasi
Interchanges:ย B.Murdoch-Masila, J.Clark, J.Philbin, J.Mamo
