SUPER LEAGUE MATCH REPORT | Warrington Wolves 22 – 22 Catalans Dragons
MATCH DETAILS
Warrington Wolves eight-game winning streak against the Catalans Dragons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium came to a halt as Josh Drinkwater snatched a share of the points late on in a 22-all classic.
Benjamin Jullien opened the scoring against his former side following a short pass from Tony Gigot just four-minutes into the fixture.
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Bryson Goodwin responded just ten minutes later to level the scoring, before Drinkwater added the penalty 30 metres out to edge the Dragons back in front.
In-form winger Josh Charnley scored his 12th try of the Super League campaign to give Warrington their first lead of the evening, before Harvey Livett extended the home-sides lead following a great team-play try.
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Hooker Michael McIIorum snuck one back for the Dragons, but Tyrone Roberts added the two from a penalty just-five minutes later. Tony Gigot had the last word of the half, scoring from Drinkwater’s grubber into Warrington’s try zone, giving the Dragons a 20-18 lead at the half-time break.
The second half remained tryless, but three penalty kicks and no successful drop-goals saw the sides split the points in a hard-fought battle.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
Catalans Dragons are the real deal
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They started their season slowly, but the Dragons have really turned their campaign around. Their semi-final clash with St Helens would have been a comfortable selection for the table-toppers two months back, but the Dragons are one of the in-form sides and could well be on their way to Wembley, as well as sitting 6th in the Betfred Super League table.
Ben Westwood still has it
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With now over 500 career matches to his name, Ben Westwood proved last night that he still has the talent and skill he is known for, as well as being one of the toughest players in the game. Currently the oldest Super League player, the second-rower was awarded man of the match last night on Warrington Wolves’ official Twitter feed.
Man Of The Match- Josh Drinkwater (Catalans Dragons)
With an assist and five successful conversions to his name, Josh Drinkwater was our pick for Man Of The Match. The influential half-back has inspired his side up the Betfred Super League ladder and his skill in attack has really sparked the French-side into life, who could well be on their way to a Wembley appearance – their first since 2007.
THE RESULT
Warrington Wolves – 22
Tries: Bryson Goodwin, Josh Charnley, Harvey Livett
Goals: Tyrone Roberts (5)
Drop Goals: n/a
Cataland Dragons – 22
Tries: Benjamin Jullien, Michael McIIorum, Tony Gigot
Goals: Josh Drinkwater (5)
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Warrington Wolves: Ratchford, Lineham, Goodwin, King, Charnley, Brown, Roberts, Hill, Clark, Cooper, Livett, Hughes, Westwood.
Interchanges: Patton, Akauola, Philbin, Pomeroy
Catalans Dragons: Gigot, Tierney, Mead, Wiliame, Yaha, Langi, Drinkwater, Casty, McIlorum, Simon, Jullien, Garcia, Bird.
Interchanges: Moa, Bousquet, Baitieri, Edwards.
Referee: B. Thaler
