Catalans Dragons have earned back-to-back wins for the first time since March after a 34-24 victory over Bradford Bulls.
It was a ‘you score, we score’ game in the opening 20 minutes, with both teams crossing for two tries each. Ryan Sutton and Ethan Ryan touched down for the Bulls, whilst Zac Lipowicz and Josh Allen crossed for the home side.
Julien Bousquet and Solomona Faataape then crossed before the half-time hooter to give Catalans a 22-10 lead at the break.
A Connor Wynne double and a Caleb Aekins try gave the Bulls a fighting chance at a first away win, but Kruise Leeming and Charlie Staines’ efforts would be enough for John Cartwright’s men to take the two points.
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Catalans Dragons v Bradford Bulls talking points
Carty’s at the wheel:
Amid rumours that Dragons boss John Cartwright might be extending his stay in Perpignan, the improvement in Catalans since his arrival is already apparent.
The French side look a lot more cohesive, they are more fluent in attack, and a number of players have improved their game since he joined the club.
There is still a lot of improvement to go, particularly the fact they need to perform for 80 minutes, but to say he has only been in charge for four matches, he has done incredibly well to take Les Dracs into a side capable of play-offs, something that seemed unlikely under Joel Tomkins.
With three wins from their last four, and Leigh losing last night, they now sit just two points behind the top six, although that could change should St Helens defeat Huddersfield tomorrow.
After missing out last year, it would be a great achievement in their 20th anniversary to pull off a top six comeback, though they will need to perform for longer periods of the game to do so.
Bulls away curse continues:
It is now seven Super League games without an away win for Bradford, who are the only side in the competition to not pick up two points not on their own turf.
Bulls boss Haggerty said in the week that the message this week was all about getting the result, with performing on their opponents’ patch simply not enough – they need to get the win.
Makinson concern:
Catalans will be hoping that star winger Tommy Makinson isn’t on the sidelines for too long, after he has only recently returned from injury.
Makinson departed the action with around half an hour to go, and was pictured with ice strapped around his hamstring.
Fellow winger Nick Cotric was also struggling through the game, but was able to play the full 80.
Not a game for the Prop Forwards Union:
Of the six first-half tries scored, four of them were scored by forwards, and three of them were scored by props specifically.
It was an opening 40 where route one rugby paid off, with Bulls’ Sutton and Catalans pair Allen and Bousquet all powering their way over from close range.
The flashier finishes came later, with the likes of Wynne and Faataape dotting down, but it was a rare game where props proved fruitful on the scoring front, and all three of those men crossed for their opening tries of the season.
