Catalans 36-8 Hull: Dragons go second after win in Perpignan
Sam Tomkins in action for Catalans | Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix
Catalans Dragons climbed to second in the Super League table thanks to a 36-8 win over Hull in scorching conditions in the south of France.
The Dragons leapfrogged Huddersfield and Wigan to move into second, just two points behind leaders St Helens.
Catalans took an early lead thanks to Mike McMeeken running a strong line to score. Tomkins converted and then added a penalty goal a couple of minutes later to give his side a 10-0 lead.
Steve McNamara’s side extended their lead on the half hour mark when France international Fouad Yaha finished a superb offload from Matt Whitley.
The Dragons were in again in the 34th minute when Mickael Goudemand raced under the posts thanks to an assist from Mitchell Pearce.
Catalans captain Ben Garcia was sin-binned just before the break for slowing the ruck down. The hosts were in a healthy 20-0 lead at the break.
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HT: Catalans Dragons 20-0 Hull FC
Hull fought their way back into the game at the start of the season half. They pulled one back through Josh Griffin, but Luke Gale couldn’t convert.
Hull’s momentum didn’t last long though as Catalans went over again. Birthday boy Samisoni Langi scored on his return to action having missed the last eight games.
Langi, who has played in two World Cups for Tonga, is set to play in the upcoming World Cup for France. He qualifies to play on the residency rule.
Darnell McIntosh crossed the whitewash for Hull in the 71st minute but it was too little, too late for Brett Hodgson’s side.
Catalans scored two tries in the last five minutes through Mitchell Pearce and Tyrone May to send the home fans home smiling with a 36-8 victory.
FT: Catalans Dragons 36-8 Hull FC
Catalans: Tomkins; Davies, Langi, Laguerre, Yaha; May, Pearce; Napa, McIlorum, Bousquet, Whitley, McMeeken, Garcia. Subs: Mourgue, Goudemand, Chan, Kasiano.
Tries: McMeeken, Yaha, Goudemand, Langi, Pearce, May Goals: Tomkins 6
Hull: Shaul; Swift, Wynne, Tuimavave, McIntosh; Reynolds, Gale; Evans, Houghton, Sao, Griffin, Ma’u, Fash. Subs: Satae, Lovodua, Brown, Johnstone.
Tries: Griffin, McIntosh Goals:
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