Catalans Dragons edge tight battle against impressive Leigh Leopards

It’s two defeats from two to start the season for Leigh despite a valiant effort in France against the Catalans Dragons.

The Leigh Leopards, away from home, hung in their in the opening exchanges against the Catalans Dragons as they mounted the pressure in the opening stages however they nearly scored the opening try of the game.

Charnley burst down the right edge but good scramble defence from the Dragons denied the former Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves winger.

Both sides would have good looks at the opposition defence during the rest of the first 30 minutes but neither could break the deadlock so it was down to a penalty for a high shot which Arthur Mourgue converted.

As halftime neared, finally the first try came as Tom Johnstone went over in at the corner to help give the Dragons an 8-0 lead at the break.

Leigh did have a chance before halftime but a knock on from a Ricky Leutele offload denied them.

The Leopards had shown good character to really stick in the game and had demonstrated enough endeavour to have the Dragons worried and three minutes into the second half a Lachlan Lam kick was grounded by Joe Wardle after an error from the Dragons to make it a tight contest once again.

The Dragons would then look to stamp their authority back on the game and had a decent chance shortly after the try and shortly after the hour mark thought they’d scored with a drive close to the Leigh line but the referee deemed that the ball was held up.

Pressure continued to mount from the home side as they forced a goal line drop out that could have been worse for Leigh had Josh Charnley not forced the ball out of play.

That was a crucial moment as from the next set the French side got a set restart and as the ruck quickened the Dragons found their way over through Mickael Goudemand re-establishing their eight point lead.

Leigh needed a try and a Lam break looked like it might lead to one but Matty Davis was denied. Another chance came shortly after as Leigh found the numbers but Tom Briscoe put down the pass.

That would seal the Leopards’ defeat 14-6.