Catalans Dragons made to work for first win of the season by Wakefield

Catalans Dragons were made to work for their first win of the Super League campaign by Wakefield, with Steve McNamara’s men running out 24-22 winners in Perpignan.

The French side got off to a good start in their first home game of the season. Rising star Mathieu Laguerre produced a fine finish in the corner in the 10th minute.

And they extended their lead just minutes later when Josh Drinkwater produced a nice assist to Fouad Yaha. Sam Tomkins converted to give his side a 10-0 lead.

Wakefield posted their first points midway through the first half when Tom Johnstone finished off a well-timed chip from Brad Walker.

But Tonga international Samisoni Langi soon hit back for the Dragons, with Tomkins adding the extras.

Max Jowitt, who was one of Wakefield’s standout players in Perpignan, scored in the 34th minute. He converted his own try and they were only 16-10 behind at half-time.

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HT: Catalans Dragons 16-10 Wakefield Trinity

McNamara’s men came out firing in the second half as they scored through captain Ben Garcia.

Tomkins added a penalty goal on the hour mark to put Wakefield into a 24-10 lead.

Johnstone got his second with five minutes to go though after racing down the left flank to finish a well-worked try.

Wakefield’s off-season signing Tom Lineham made an intercept and raced 90 metres to score with the final play of the game. Jowitt converted but it was Catalans who finished 24-22 winners on home soil.

FT: Catalans Dragons 24-22 Wakefield Trinity

Catalans: Tomkins; Yaha, Langi, Whare, Laguerre; Pearce, Drinkwater; Dezaria, McIlorum, Goudemand, Whitley, McMeeken, Garcia. Subs: Da Costa, May, Chan, Kasiano.

Tries: Laguerre, Yaha, Langi, Garcia Goals: Tomkins 4

Wakefield: Jowitt; Johnstone, Hall, Batchelor, Lineham; Walker, Bowes; Arona, Hood, Battye, Ashurst, Pitts, Crowther. Subs: Whitbread, Kay, Aydin, Shaw.

Tries: Johnstone (2), Jowitt, Lineham Goals: Jowitt 3

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