MATCH DETAILS
Catalans moved up to seventh in the table with a fifth win in six Super League matches after a comfortable 44-16 victory at home to Castleford Tigers.
The Dragons started in fine fashion with Josh Drinkwater scoring the first try of the match, as Greg Bird broke through the line before offloading to the influential half-back to touch down underneath the posts for an 8-0 lead after only eight minutes.
The Tigers struck back first through James Clare in the corner, and then Quentin Laulu-Togagae scoring straight from a penalty with a brilliant solo try, evading tackles including a despairing dive from Dragons full-back David Mead.
That was it for scoring from the Tigers in the opening half as the Dragons forced their way into a commanding lead, with Greg Bird getting the first of four more first half tries in an impressive performance.
Drinkwater crossed for his second of the match in rather fortuitous fashion, after he attempted to put a kick in behind the defence, only for the ball to rebound straight into his arms for him to cross.
Louis Anderson and Julian Bousquet also crossed in the final six minutes of the half with Drinkwater converting again to give the Dragons a healthy 30-10 lead.
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Kenny Edwards was the next player to get his name on the scoresheet, as the former Parramatta Eel scored a third try in two matches, before Drinkwater rounded off his hat-trick.
The Dragons weren’t done there with Tierney adding more points with a try in the 77th minute, before Castleford hooker Paul McShane got a consolation try in the final moments.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
Drinkwater Key to Top 8 Chances
Since Drinkwater made the switch to the South of France, Catalans have won six of their eight Super League matches, and that is certainly no coincidence.
With the victory moving them up to 7th it looks as if they will be a difficult side to beat especially at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Toothless Tigers require returning troops
Castleford currently sit in fourth, but with sides like Hull FC looking to catch them they influential players such as Luke Gale to return quickly.
The current Man of Steel was a key player in their success last year, but his injury has halted any progress by the Tigers and has mounted pressure on head coach Daryl Powell.
Man Of The Match- Josh Drinkwater (Catalans Dragons)
The Australian half-back proved vital to victory by contributing 24 of the Dragons 44 points, with his three tries coming at crucial points to help guide his side to an important victory.
Greg Bird also deserved a notable mention as he crossed for a try, as well as having a hand in a number of others, in a superb all-round performance.
THE RESULT
Catalans Dragons 44
Tries: Drinkwater 3, Bird, Anderson, Bousquet, Edwards, Tierney
Goals: Drinkwater 6
Drop Goals: n/a
Castleford Tigers 16
Tries: Clare, Laulu-Togagae, McShane
Goals: Ellis 2
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Catalans Dragons : Gigot, Tierney, Mead, Williame, Yaha, Langi, Drinkwater, Casty, McIlorum, Simon, Jullien, Garcia, Bird
Interchanges: Anderson, Bousquet, Baitieri, Edwards
Castleford Tigers : Laulu-Togagae, Egodo, Webster, Shenton, Clare, Ellis, Trueman, Watts, McShane, Sene-Lefao, Moors, Holmes, Massey
Interchanges: Millington, Cook, Springer, Clark
Referee: Robert Hicks
