Catalans Dragons opened their Super League account with dramatic 13-12 win over Castleford Tigers this afternoon.
Cas, who lost their local derby with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats last weekend, made a bright start in Perpignan and were rewarded for their industry when Luke Gale's cross=field kick was taken by Justin Carney on the run and the winger touched down for his 47th try in 46 games.
The hosts, who themselves were beaten by defending champions St Helens last time out, thought that they had scored soon after when forward Zeb Taia bulldozed his way over, but, as he touched down, the video referee adjudged that the Dragons player was held up.
Daryl Powell's men almost scored another try when Gale unleashed another spiralling kick, which Denny Solomona rose highest to collect only for the touch judge to penalise the winger for offside.
A fiery encounter reached boiling point late in first half when Olivier Elima and Eloi Pelissier were yellow carded and Castleford's Jake Webster was also sin-binned following a 26-man melee.
The video ref was called into action twice when Denny Solomona collected a kickoff which did not go the full 10 metres, and then to overturn Scott Dureau's inception score when the Catalans back put a foot in touch.
The Dragons would not be denied by the TMO again and got back on level terms when full-back Morgan Escare scored early in the second period.
After Dureau stroked another penalty between the posts, Catalans opened up a six-point lead when Elliott Whitehead went over the whitewash with 15 minutes remaining.
The home side had opportunities to seal victory before Jordan Tansey's converted try brought the Tigers back on terms.
However, Dureau restored Catalans lead with a late drop goal, giving the hosts their maiden victory of the 2015 season.
Chris O'Keefe
