Dragons Triumph Over Leigh in Super League Clash
In this highly anticipated clash between the top-ranked Catalans Dragons and the surprising third-placed Leigh, it was the Dragons who emerged victorious with a score of 38-30.
A Battle for Second Place
The penultimate match of the 16th day of the Super League showcased an exciting showdown between Leigh, on a remarkable winning streak of nine consecutive victories, and the table-topping Catalans Dragons. The English team traveled to Perpignan with the aim of securing a win and climbing to second place in the league standings.
The Dragons, riding their own wave of success, welcomed the return of key players Manu Ma’u and Tom Davies. With their strengthened lineup, the Catalans aimed to overcome a Leigh team weakened by suspensions.
Surprises at the Bottom
Meanwhile, the teams at the bottom of the table caused upsets on Thursday and Friday evenings. Hull FC stunned St Helens with a resounding 34-6 victory, while Castleford found their form and defeated second-placed Warrington 23-14, ending their poor run of form.
A Thrilling First Half
The atmosphere was electric as the game kicked off, with the Dragons immediately asserting their dominance. Within the first minute and a half, Arthur Mourgue scored a try under the posts, giving the Catalans an early 6-0 lead.
The Dragons continued their impressive start, with Benjamin Garcia scoring a try in the corner after a brilliant assist from Tom Johnstone. The conversion by Mourgue extended the lead to 12-0 within just five minutes of play.
Mourgue added a penalty to make it 14-0 before the Dragons scored another try. Tom Johnstone capitalized on a superb offload from Arthur Romano, securing his 19th try of the season. Mourgue’s successful conversion from the corner further extended the lead to 20-0.
Leigh managed to reduce the deficit in the 26th minute, with Ed Chamberlain crossing the try line. Ben Reynolds converted the try, making it 20-6.
Leigh continued their resurgence, capitalizing on defensive errors by the Dragons. They scored two more tries through Chamberlain and Josh Charnley, bringing the score to 20-18 before halftime. Reynolds successfully converted both tries, setting up an intense second half.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The second half mirrored the first, with the Dragons quickly regaining control. Arthur Romano scored a try after a brilliant assist from Mourgue, giving the Catalans a crucial 26-18 lead.
Leigh fought back once again, with Edwin Ipape scoring under the posts. Reynolds’ successful conversion narrowed the gap to just two points, 26-24.
In the 56th minute, Leigh took the lead for the first time in the match. Tom Briscoe scored a try after a well-executed play orchestrated by Ricky Leutele and Reynolds. The successful conversion by Reynolds put Leigh ahead, 26-30, with 20 minutes remaining.
With only 13 minutes left on the clock, the Dragons equalized through a powerful try from Benjamin Garcia. Mourgue’s successful conversion gave the Catalans a 32-30 lead.
In a thrilling turn of events, Tom Johnstone intercepted a pass and sprinted 60 meters to score a sensational try. Mourgue’s faultless conversion extended the lead to 38-30 with just five minutes remaining.
Leigh made a final push, but the Dragons held firm. The Catalans Dragons emerged victorious with a hard-fought 38-30 win, solidifying their position at the top of the Super League.
Per aquest dia de la Catalanitat, visca els Dracs i visca Catalunya!
Alone top of the Super League 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6U0zFcRBgb
— Catalan Dragons (@DragonsOfficiel) June 24, 2023
World Thirteen