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SAINTS finished off their regular season campaign with a 24-12 loss at home to Catalan Dragons.

Although they realistically couldn’t finish higher than second, they were seeking a win to head into the play-offs with confidence.

But the victory was no more than the Dragons deserved.

Needing a win to finish eighth Catalans were 10-6 up at half time thanks to Dimitri Pelo and Casey McGuire.

Kevin Walters had his big forwards punching holes in the Saints’ defence and Thomas Bosc and co being clinical when the chances presented themselves.

In the second half, the Dragons dominated proceedings and scored further tries from Olivier Elmina and Clint Greenshields.

Saints only made two changes from the side that played Leeds last week – Bryn Hargreaves replacing the injured James Graham and Jake Emmitt taking Bryn’s spot on the bench.

Jonny Lomax came in for the injured Paul Wellens.

For Catalans, Vincent Duport returned and Jason Croker was out with injury. Sebastien Martins was named on the bench.

Saints were on the front foot from the kick off when a tricky chip through from Sean Long caused Vincent Duport problems.

But three minutes in, a move that went fully 80 yards saw Pelo put down.

It was an early blow but backed by a huge effort from Tony Puletua Saints began to make inroads and it was no surprise when the big man latched onto a Sean Long pass to draw level.

It was his 13^th of the season.

Jonny Lomax added the conversion but in the 21^st minute Casey McGuire made the best of some quick play the balls to plough over from close range.

Saints nearly pulled level nine minutes later with a move that went from one end of the field to the other, but as the line drew closer James Roby was clipped and the chance was lost.

Half Time: Saints 6 Catalans 10

Catalans went further ahead through a Thomas Bosc penalty, then Olivier Elima burrowed over in the corner to stretch it further.

Chris Flannery made a try saving tackle on Pelo but seconds later Greenshields went over to seal the win.

Keiron Cunningham scored a barging, bulldozing try late on, but it was too little too late.

Match Summary:

Saints:

Tries: Puletua, Cunningham

Goals: Lomax (1 from 1), Eastmond (1 from 1)

Catalans:

Tries: Pelo, McGuire, Elmina, Greenshields

Goals: Bosc (4 from 5)

Penalties:

Saints: 9

Catalans: 6

HT (Sts First): 6-10

FT (Sts First): 12-24

REF: Ben Thaler

ATT: 8268

Teams:

Saints:

30. Jonny Lomax; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 16. Tony Puletua, 13. Chris Flannery, 12. Jon Wilkin, 17. Paul Clough.

Subs: 14. James Roby, 18. Kyle Eastmond, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 31. Jake Emmitt.

Catalans:

1. Clint Greenshields; 18. Vincent Duport, 15. Jean-Phillipe Baile, 11. Sebastien Raguin, 5. Dimitri Pelo; 4. Adam Mogg, 6. Thomas Bosc; 10. Jerome Guisset, 9. Casey McGuire, 23. Jason Ryles,

16. Olivier Elima, 17. Cyril Gossard, 26. Greg Bird.

Subs: 8. David Ferriol, 19. Julien Touxagas, 24. Remi Casty, 27. Sebastien Martins.

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