Castleford 14-40 Catalans: Dragons impress in win over Tigers

Catalans produced a strong performance to beat Castleford 40-14 at Headingley.

Castleford got off to a great start in the game as Michael Shenton scored twice within the first 10 minutes, with Danny Richardson kicking three goals to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead.

The Dragons hit back midway through the first half as Tom Davies barged over in the corner.

Castleford were dealt a blow on the half hour mark as Peter Mata’utia was sin-binned, with Catalans then scoring through Alrix Da Costa.

Israel Folau scored in the 34th minute for Catalans, with James Maloney’s conversion giving his side a 16-14 advantage at the break.

The Dragons started the second half in good fashion as Ben Garcia touched down before Joel Tomkins extended their lead on the hour mark. Maloney converted both tries, and Catalans were 28-14 to the good after 62 minutes.

Davies got his second of the afternoon in the 66th minute, with Maloney adding a penalty goal just minutes later.

Jason Baitieri sealed the victory for Catalans with just minutes left on the clock. Maloney’s conversion secured a 40-14 victory for the Dragons.

Castleford: Eden; Olpherts, Mata’utia, Shenton, Clare; Trueman, Richardson; Griffin, McShane, Millington, Holmes, McMeeken, Milner. Subs: Sene-Lefao, Foster, O’Neill, Hepi.

Tries: Shenton (2) Goals: Richardson 3/3

Catalans: Mourgue; Davies, Langi, Folau, Yaha; Maloney, Drinkwater; Bousquet, Garcia, Moa, Whitley, J Tomkins, Casty. Subs: Da Costa, Jullien, Baitieri, Kasiano.

Tries: Davies (2), Da Costa, Folau, Garcia, J Tomkins, Baitieri Goals: Maloney 6/8

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