James Maloney kicks golden point winner on Lezignan debut

James Gordon
Catalans Dragons player James Maloney has signed for Lezignan

James Maloney marked his Lezignan debut with a drop goal in golden point extra time as they beat Limoux 19-18.

Three months after kicking a winning drop goal for Catalans in a dramatic Magic Weekend win over St Helens at St James’ Park, the Australian repeated one of his most memorable moments for the Dragons albeit in much different surroundings.

It was the two-time NRL winner’s first appearance for Lezignan after signing following the end of his contract with Catalans.

He played alongside Remy Marginet at half-back, and was joined by fellow Catalans old-boys Jason Baitieri and Krisnan Inu, as well as Cyril Stacul at full-back and captain Antoni Maria.

After Martin Rouger’s early score, James Maloney got his first points by converting Maria’s second try to give Lezignan a 10-0 lead.

Limoux fought back through tries from Alexandre Bourrel and Zachary Santo, before a Maloney penalty put his side 12-10 in front at half time.

Limoux took the lead for the first time early in the second half, but Maloney scored two further penalties to put Lezignan back in front at 16-14.

A controversial late try for Stan Robin looked to have pinched it for Limoux, but Maloney kept his nerve with a late penalty to send the game to extra time.

And just as he did in Newcastle against the eventual Super League champions, Maloney stepped up with the decisive drop goal to secure a golden point victory.

The win maintains Lezignan’s perfect start to the season – six wins from six.

Elite Championship action

Elsewhere, the reserve sides of the two French Super League clubs met as St Esteve coasted past Toulouse 32-4.

Carcassonne recorded a comfortable victory away at Villeneuve.

A blistering first half put them 28-0 up at half time and they eventually won 38-18.

There was a close fought match at St Gaudens, who narrowly lost out 24-22 to Avignon.

Meanwhile, Albi have confirmed the signing of Nathan Peats.

Peats, 29, played for both Leigh and Huddersfield in Super League last season.

He will play in the Elite 1 Championship until at least the end of April.

MORE NEWS: Jarrod Sammut finds new Championship club

Results December 4/5

  • St Esteve 32-4 Toulouse
  • St Gaudens 22-24 Avignon
  • Limoux 18-19 Lezignan
  • Villeneuve 18-38 Carcassonne

Fixtures December 11/12

  • Albi v Avignon
  • Carcassonne v St Esteve
  • Toulouse v Limoux
  • Villeneuve v St Gaudens
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