Warrington hold off Catalans to claim back-to-back wins

Betfred Super League

Warrington (6) 18

Tries: King, Walker, Dufty Goals: Thewlis 3

Catalans (6) 12

Warrington Wolves won the Super League game after falling behind to Catalans Dragons to keep their winning run.

After Arthur Mourgue had already converted an early penalty for Catalans, Toby King’s try gave the Wire a lead into the second half, but Matthieu Laguerre’s powerful finish earned them a point.

Before Matt Dufty’s try extended the lead to 18-6, the hosts had to work hard to keep their advantage before Danny Walker’s score extended the lead to 18-6.

Laguerre eventually scored his second goal to set up a tense finale in Warrington’s defense, but the hosts overcame a late onslaught to improve their opening-day victory over Huddersfield.

The crowd was seated before the world darts champion, but Catalans, who had been abjectly defeated by Hull FC in their Super League opener, seemed in the mood.

As Dufty dragged the flying Tommy Makinson into touch with the beckoning try line, Mourgue’s early penalty goal was their only reward for some expansive play in the opening half-hour.

As Wire responded with their first real threat, Cesar Rouge was forced to drop a high kick in front of his own line, giving center King a straightforward second try of the season.

After Nick Cotric’s bulldozing run was halted just short, the French side struck next, Laguerre dragging three tacklers over the line to bring them level on the eve of half-time.

In the face of renewed Catalan pressure, the hosts needed more defending, and Walker’s 50th-minute score under the posts, which was helped only by a George Williams line break, eased a few nerves.

Dufty’s second try of the season, which survived a captain’s challenge from Catalans for obstruction, looked to have killed off the Dragons ‘ hopes.

However, Cotric’s thrilling run down the left flank gave the visitors a competitive edge after struggling all night, with Laguerre eventually surviving.

Sam Burgess, the head coach of Warrington Wolves, told BBC Radio Merseyside:

“It was a real tough game. I thought Catalans came and played a great, tough, physical game.

They “threw things at us,” they continued. I was very proud of my team’s work because they really challenged us and offloaded the ball a lot. They continued to try and offer each other support.

Interchanges: Powell, Crowther, Harrison, Philbin.

Catalans: Mourgue, Makinson, Romano, Laguerre, Cotric, Keary, Rouge, Pangai Jr, Garcia, Bousquet, Sironen, Whitehead, Partington.

Interchanges: Da Costa, Dezaria, Seguier, Sims.