Catalans Dragons survived a second-half comeback from St Helens to take a 22-12 win in the Super League this evening.
The hosts, who were without several of their first-team players because of injuries, had few attacking spells in the opening half and were on the back foot for much of the first 40 minutes.
Frederic Vaccari opened the scoring for the Perpignan side, before Morgan Escare grabbed a second just before half time, moments after having an effort ruled out.
Saints fought back after the break, with Iosia Soliola halving Catalans' advantage early on.
Thomas Bosc added two penalties to give the visitors a 10-point lead, but the Dragons were reduced to 12 men when Michael Simon was shown a yellow card for holding down.
Alex Walmsley reduced the visitors' lead to four points, but Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was held up as he looked for the score-levelling try inside the final three minutes.
Ian Henderson put the result beyond doubt in the final seconds of the game, adding Dragons' third try of the match.
The result lifts Catalans up to fourth in the Super League table.
Sian Cowper
