Saints Run In Seven To Dowse Dragons

Mark Percival scored 22 points in the win that leaves Justin Holbrook’s men on the coattails of the top four heading into the final round of fixtures.

The manner of the victory was built on resilience as Saints didn’t have it all their own way until much later in the second half.

They got off to the worst possible start too when former fan favourite Luke Walsh produced a fine reverse kick for Justin Horo to catch the defence unaware.

But within two minutes, following a strong run from Jon Wilkin, James Roby caught Theo Fages on a fine line.

Saints continued to pile on the pressure but Catalans went back ahead on 17 minutes when Walsh stepped off his right foot and went under the posts.

The Dragons were unlucky not to increase their lead further too – but the introduction of Alex Walmsley turned the momentum Saints’ way.

Roby broke down the middle, found Alex on his outside and the big fella went 45 metres, with a sidestep thrown in, to crash over to the right of the posts.

Percival added a penalty on the half an hour mark – but within two minutes Tony Gigot had pounced on a Walsh kick through to put the Dragons back ahead.

But, as was the tale of the first half, Saints hit back through Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.

Percival did the damage – releasing the ball back inside for Zeb Taia to pick up, and he made no mistake in putting LMS over from close range.

Saints were penalised twice in the second half for stepping off the mark – although similar offences were left unpunished in the first – and it allowed Catalans to build up the momentum.

And on the 50 minute Mark, Horo got on the outside of the Saints’ defence and put down under pressure for his second.

But Saints replied through the boot of Mark Percival to make it all square.

And moments later they were ahead.

Danny Richardson found Ryan Morgan who cut inside, drew the fullback and duly put Jonny Lomax under the posts on his 150th appearance for the club.

Percival converted and then added another penalty to take Saints two scores out.

Saints looked comfortable and it showed too as they not only restricted Catalans to their own 40 but looked set to extend their lead.

But Danny Richardson’s chip with 10 to go was collected by Richie Myler who went the full length.

Walsh nailing the conversion off the touchline to make it game on.

Saints defended the Dragons next set and then won a penalty under the posts.

But they spurned the opportunity to take the lead out to four points… and Percival latched on to a flowing move to score in the corner.

Saints then put it to bed.

Thompson span over following Richardson’s reverse pass, and as the hooter sounded, Roby chipped it ahead for Ryan Morgan to cross.

Match Summary:

Saints:
Tries: Fages, Walmsley, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Lomax, Percival, Thompson, Morgan
Goals: Percival (9 from 10)

Dragons:
Tries: Horo (2), Walsh, Gigot, Myler
Goals: Walsh (4 from 5)

Penalties Awarded:
Saints: 13
Dragons: 4

HT: 20-18
FT: 46-28

REF: B Thaler

ATT: 10,024

Teams:

Saints:
1. Jonny Lomax; 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Ryan Morgan, 4. Mark Percival, 28. Regan Grace; 6. Theo Fages, 24. Danny Richardson; 14. Luke Douglas, 9. James Roby, 16. Luke Thompson, 36. Zeb Taia, 18. Dominique Peyroux, 12. Jon Wilkin.
Subs: 8. Alex Walmsley, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 17. Tommy Lee, 20. Morgan Knowles.

Catalans:
1. Tony Gigot; 33. Lewis Tierney, 3. Krisnan Inu, 18. Vincent Duport, 5. Fouad Yaha; 6. Luke Walsh, 7. Richie Myler; 8. Sam Moa, 9. Paul Aiton, 14. Julian Bousquet, 11. Louis Anderson, 12. Justin Horo, 17. Jason Baitieri.
Subs: 10. RÈmi Casty, 13. Greg Bird, 23. Alrix Da Costa, 32. Romain Navarrete.