Round 14
Castleford Tigers 18 l. Les Catalans Dragons 40

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Catalans down Castleford
Mon May 15, 2006
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Three tries in a six-minute spell midway through the second half earned Catalans Dragons their second win over Castleford this season by 40-18. The sides were level at 12-12, before the French side produced their scoring burst to gain their first Super League victory in six matches. Centre John Wilson played a big role with three tries, and scrum-half Michael Dobson grabbed a try and kicked six goals.

Castleford, with Willie Manu and Ben Roarty making powerful runs, started well. But they were rocked when Dobson's 40-20 set up the position for Wilson to force his way over for a fourth-minute try. Dobson then converted. Jerome Guisset made his mark with a crunching tackle as the Dragons soaked up Castleford pressure. Both sides were guilty of losing the ball early in the tackle count as play became increasingly scrappy.

Castleford suffered a blow in the 17th minute when they lost veteran half-back Brad Davis, who went off clutching his left arm. Despite stand-off Peter Lupton's clever promptings, Castleford struggled to break down a Catalans defence which looked far more solid than in recent matches.

The Dragons went further ahead in the 25th minute when Julian Rinaldi, Dobson and Christopher Beattie paved the way for second rower Ian Hindmarsh to grab a try which Dobson again converted. With half-backs Laurence Frayssinous and Dobson creating openings, Catalans looked the sharper side. Roarty was hauled down just short as Castleford tried to pull themselves back into the game. They finally opened their account in the 34th minute when substitute Gray Viane went over - and Ryan McGoldrick kicked the conversion.

Catalans were soon on the back foot in the second half when Beattie was tackled behind his own try-line from the kick-off. The Tigers levelled matters in the 42nd minute as Roarty sent Viane over for his second touchdown, converted by McGoldrick. Catalans weathered a spell of Castleford pressure before regaining the lead with Wilson's second try after he chased a kick by Frayssinous. Wilson then completed his treble with an identical score after another well judged kick by Frayssinous. Dobson put the French side further ahead with a spectacular 70-yard try, before Wilson sent in Justin Murphy at the corner.

Catalans turned on the style in the closing stages, and substitute Aurelien Cologni finished a delightful six-man move to score. Castleford's only reply was a last-minute try by Danny Nutley - and McGoldrick's third goal.

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

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