Catalans Dragons boss John Cartwright has offered his thoughts after his side lost 18-16 to Warrington Wolves.
The French side arguably should have won the game, but a poor decision from Guillermo Aispur0-Bichet cost them a try and potentially two points.
The versatile Frenchman featured in the centres this evening and broke free down the right edge with just minutes left on the clock. With players in support, he decided against a pass and went himself, only to get tackled by stand-in full-back Ewan Irwin.
Had he just taken the tackle, it would have been fine, but he opted to try and get a pass away after the ball-carrying arm had hit the floor, meaning he was held at that point and therefore gave away a penalty.
That then allowed Wire to relieve the pressure and see out the game, leaving Catalans to go home empty-handed.
Commenting on that moment in particular, Cartwright said to Sky Sports: “I thought Guillermo had him, and he obviously thought he had him.
“There was still a few minutes to go there, but they just marched down the field. Again, just a good solid set of defence there and we [would have got] another crack at them. There’s some lessons there for us.”
Catalans Dragons lose 18-16 to Warrington Wolves
Speaking overall, he added: “We left that one out there. We were our own worst enemy on occasions.
“There were a couple of players that we were aware of, and as the game rolled on, so did they, unfortunately. A bit of momentum went against us.
“I just didn’t think we stuck to the plan as best as we possibly should, and errors and a couple things that went against us, and that was the game.”
Despite the loss, and the ex-Hull FC boss now sitting on three wins from his first five, Cartwright is still positive about what his side has achieved over the past month, and what they can go on to do.
I’m really happy with where the team is at, to be honest with you,” he said. “The performances since I’ve been here, I just think there’s been a little bit of grit about them.”
