Catalans 18-10 Hull KR: Dragons maintain unbeaten run

Catalans Dragons continue their winning streak after a hard-fought win over Hull KR in the south of France.

The hosts scored two tries through Fouad Yaha and Joe Chan. Sam Tomkins also added three penalties. Meanwhile, Hull KR gave Catalans something to think about in the first half with tries from Ryan Hall and Shaun Kenny-Dowall making it a level game.

The Dragons made three changes to the side that beat Wigan in Perpignan last week. Fouad Yaha and Sam Kasiano both returned after injury, while Dylan Napa returned after suspension. Going out of the team were Arthur Romano, the suspended Jordan Dezaria and Gil Dudson.

Meanwhile, Hull KR made three changes from the team that beat Salford last Friday. Matt Parcell, Kane Linnett and Dean Hadley all made way. Korbin Sims, Ethan Ryan and Greg Richards all returned on the bench.

Match Report

The Dragons were able to get on the board first eight minutes in. Hull KR were caught offside, and Sam Tomkins elected to take the two points and kick Catalans ahead by two points.

Soon after, Catalans scored the first try of the match. They got the ball out to the left-hand side, and Fouad Yaha marked his return to the team with a try. Tomkins added the conversion for an eight-point lead.

Just past the 20-minute mark, Catalans found themselves down to 12 men. Will Dagger was tipped onto his head in a tackle by Mitchell Pearce, which saw the Dragons half-back being given a yellow card.

Just three minutes later, the Robins made the extra man count. They were able to move the ball out to the wing, and Ryan Hall got over for a try to half the deficit. Jordan Abdull could not convert, meaning they still trailed by four.

Just past the half-hour, Catalans kicked themselves further ahead. Tomkins added the two points after Korbin Sims caught Ben Garcia high.

However, there was time for the Robins to level the game just before the break. Shaun Kenny-Dowall was able to barge over with four minutes of the half to go. Abdull added the conversion to level the scores.

HT- Catalans 10-10 Hull KR

Just past the hour, Catalans re-took the lead. Pearce aimed a kick towards the posts, and Joe Chan pounced on the loose ball to score. Tomkins added the conversion to give the Dragons a six-point lead again.

Tomkins added another two points with 10 minutes to go. After Kenny-Dowall spilled the ball, some dissent from Hull KR saw a scrum turn into a penalty. Tomkins added the two points to put the Dragons ahead by eight points in the closing stages.

They almost added to that to that score in the closing stages. Sam Kasiano tried to bundle his way over the line, but the Robins defence managed to hold him up.

Attention will now turn to the Challenge Cup for both teams. Catalans will host Featherstone, while Hull KR welcome Leigh.

FT- Catalans 18-10 Hull KR

Team News

Catalans: Tomkins, Davies, Whare, Langi, Yaha, Pearce, Drinkwater, Napa, McIlorum, McMeeken, Whitley, Jullien, Garcia. Subs: Goudemand, May, Chan, Kasiano.

Tries: Yaha, Chan Goals: Tomkins 5/5

Hull KR: Dagger, Wood, Keinhorst, Kenny-Dowall, Hall, Lewis, Abdull, Garratt, Litten, King, Halton, Storton, Minchella. Subs: Vete, Sims, Ryan, Richards.

Tries: Hall, Kenny-Dowall Goals: Abdull 1/2

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