WARRINGTON Wolves consolidated their place in Super League’s top eight with a scrappy 26-18 win over Catalans.
The Dragons had only won once away from home this season going in to this one, and they took the lead when Tony Gigot pounced on a loose ball, dislodged by Elliott Whitehead’s tackle that punished a loose carry by full-back Stefan Ratchford as he collected Scott Dureau’s kick down field.
Dureau, who missed a kickable conversion that ultimately cost the Dragons a valuable win against Huddersfield at Magic Weekend, then nudged a penalty wide moments before the Wolves drew level.
As the Dragons defence was pulled left and right by the Wolves attack, Ben Currie hit a gap at speed and his pace saw him to the line.
The Wolves second try also came down the left hand side, this time centre Ryan Atkins hitting a gap and spinning in the tackle to power over Morgan Escare for a score, and the hosts went in 12-6 to the good at the break.
Catalans, themselves fighting to maintain their place in Super League’s top eight as the mid-season split edges ever nearer, then turned the game on its head within 15 minutes of the restart.
Eloi Pelissier and Whitehead tries, both converted by Dureau, had the Dragons six points to the good, and they could have stretched their lead further but for a knock on by Escare.
The Wolves didn’t need a second invite back in to the match, with Atkins adding his second and then Chris Hill crossing minutes later for a quick fire double which would give Warrington the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish again.
Gareth O’Brien’s goal, and then a second try for Currie, saw Warrington home for their ninth win of the Super League season.
Warrington: Ratchford, Monaghan, Bridge, Atkins, Ormsby; O’Brien, Myler, Hill, Clark, Sims, Currie, Westwood, Harrison. Subs: Laithwaite, England, Dwyer, G. King.
Catalans Dragons: Escare; Oldfield, Gigot, Pomeroy, Yaha; Robin, Dureau; Elima, Henderson, Casty, Taia, Whitehead, Baitieri. Subs: Anderson, Pelissier, Bousquet, Maria.
Chris Hill leads from the front – PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
Ryan Atkins heads for the line – PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
CLICK HERE FOR A PICTURE GALLERY – PICTURES EDDIE WHITHAM
