Leigh survive scare to beat Catalans and go third

Betfred Super League

Dragons and Catalans (6) 12

Goals: Makinson 2 tries: Pangai Junior, Makinson

Leigh Leopards (12) 26

Leigh Leopards defeated Dragons and Catalans 26-12 to finish third in Super League, scoring late tries from Joe Ofahengaue and David Armstrong.

Tevita Pangai Junior and Tommy Makinson had scored tries to bring the Catalans’ lead to 12-2, but they lost six games in a row in the league.

Leigh had a half-time lead thanks to Tesi Niu and Keanan Brand crossing paths.

Leigh and Pangai Junior both conceded penalties before full-time to add to their four conversions, but Gareth O’Brien’s performance with the boot was crucial.

When Makinson missed the opportunity to lead the Dragons, Makinson received a penalty inside 30 meters.

When Niu ran in following a wonderful catch and pass from Lachlan Lam, Armstrong broke through the defense and opened the door for the left. Instead, Leigh came in.

Leigh added another six minutes later when Lam found Brand in the top corner for a quick touch-down.

Pangai Junior blasted his way through the defense under the posts just before half-time, making it 2-0 for the Dragons, Makinson not letting up with his kick.

When Oliver Partington, Luke Keary, and Sam Tomkins made a quick move that was completed by Makinson, who had already scored, the Catalans leveled off with a real goal.

Then, when Pangai Junior was sent to the trash for a late tackle, Makinson missed what appeared to be a straightforward penalty to take the lead.

O’Brien’s kick from the subsequent penalty hit the post, and Lam immediately reacted, causing Ofahengaue to cross the line in the process.

Dragons and Catalans: Tomkins, Makinson, Laguerre, Darrelatour, Cotric, Keary, Rouge, Satae, Da Costa, Maria, Romano, Seguier, Partington

Interchanges: Dezaria, Bousquet, Sironen, and Pangai Juniorr.

Armstrong, McIntosh, Niu, Hanley, Brand, O’Brien, Lam, Ofahengaue, Ipape, Mulhern, Halton, Trout, Liu, and others are Leigh Leopards.

Changes: McNamara, Davis, O’Neill, and Tuitavake