St Helens lose a tight game against Catalans Dragons

Although the sides shared the eight tries, Saints could only convert one of those touchdowns – and that was the difference at the end of a tight, tense game.

There were some other key moments in a game that slipped away after a fine start, among them how they missed the significant contribution of wing Tommy Makinson who left the field midway the first half.

But they were also left to rue a few silly errors, like penalties late in the sets and kicking the ball out on the full, which ultimately helped tip the pendulum the hosts’ way.

For Saints they can draw some positives from the flawless, brave and occasionally dazzling display of full back Jon Bennison who fielded a number and variety of wicked kicks and returned them with interest.

But they will be frustrated at the manner in which the game they had under control slipped from their grasp in the Perpignan heat.

There is always a special crackle and something bubbling below the surface in this game – and this was no different with plenty of incident.

Saints had started strongly with a couple of big carries from Alex Walmsley giving the champions a solid platform to attack from.

Although Bennison was stopped after a fine Morgan Knowles pass out of the tackle, the ball was pinged left by skipper James Roby with crisp hands from Jonny Lomax and Jack Welsby sending Sione Mata’utia over in space.

Although Makinson’s goal missed Saints had a 4-0 lead.

After withstanding some pressure at their own end, off the back of two Catalans penalties, Saints countered with Bennison just being foiled close to the line.

An opportunity opened up on the left, but Mata’utia’s pass squirted into touch and the chance went begging.

However, on 14 minutes Makinson crossed for a fine try after some fine inter-passing across the right edge.

Roby sparked it, with Lomax and then Joe Batchelor sending it right for Makinson.

The wing was being tacked, so popped it back inside for Lomax who drew the attention of two defenders before sending Makinson over in the corner.

Makinson’s goal went wide and Saints were good value for an 8-0 lead.

On 23 minutes Dylan Napa, who was red carded for a high shot on the opening day of the season against Saints, was given a yellow for his hit on Ben Davies.

It could have easily been a red, but although Saints pressed they were unable to make the most of their temporary numerical advantage.

If anything, Dragons were emboldened by this period in which they had their backs against the wall – with Saints diminished by their inability to penetrate.

There were chances – and a Roby grubber, chased by Ben Davies was grounded by Tomkins.

From the drop out Saints attacked again but Lomax was halted five metres short on the last.

Catalans were given a leg up when Langi was taken high by Walmsley and the pressure was released.

And when a Lomax kick on last went out on the full, Catalans made them pay.

Although Tomkins’ line break was stopped on the right by the combined efforts of Bennison and Grace, Catalans clever half Josh Drinkwater kicked wide for Fouad Yaha, although he was checked, the ball was sent back inside to Matthieu Laguerre, who despite the best efforts of Lomax was adjudged to have got it down.

And on the stroke of half time Saints were hit by a sucker punch when Yaha kicked across behind the line, the ball bouncing kindly for Drinkwater to touch down.

Tomkins’ goal on the hooter sent Dragons in 10-8 up at the interval.

Saints responded four minutes after the break when Welsby floated a wonder pass for Davies to finish well in the corner.

Davies, kicking with Makinson off, missed touchline goal but Saints had a two-point lead.

Davies turned try saver minutes later with a crunching cover tackle to force Yaha into touch.

But the respite was short-lived with a fine Langi try sparked by Drinkwater pass to Matt Whitley to pierce the line and then crisp hands doing the rest.

It was a carbon copy of Saints’ first half Makinson score.

With Tomkins adding the goal, Dragons led 16-12.

But Saints had opportunities to press in this tit-for-tat game with Joey Lussick just short as they tried to overcome a fine defensive effort by the Dragons.

Alas, from the repeat set an obstruction was given against James Bell after he ran in front of Lomax in a clunky attacking move.

Again this was another huge passage in the game defensively and Catalans went up the other end and made the most out of Sam Kasiano winning a six again.

On 62 minutes Mitchell Pearce’s looping pass to the right left Regan Grace in no-man’s land and the ball came back inside for Dean Whare to score. At 20-12 it was looking all over.

But two minutes later Welsby stole the ball from Kasiano raced away for a cheeky try under the sticks. Davies’ goal cut the deficit to two points again.

But a few little things just went against them as they chased the winning score with Welsby claiming a ball steal in the tackle but the referee giving a knock on.

Then a loose carry by Walmsley handed the Dragons the ball back a minute later from where they forced a drop out more defending for a Saints side having its tank drained.

It was made worse by Welsby just about clearing the line then playing the ball with nobody at dummy half allowed Da Costa to steal in and get the ball back in front of the sticks.

But they came off the ropes to launch another attack with Knowles, Welsby, Sironen and Mata’utia unleashing Grace on the left but he was denied by a Romano cover tackle that nudged him out in the corner.

That was Saints’ last real chance as the Dragons were able to run the clock down to keep them at arm’s length.

Catalans Dragons: Sam Tomkins: Matthieu Laguerre, Dean Whare, Samisoni Langi, Fouad Yaha; Mitchell Pearce, Josh Drinkwater; Dylan Napa, Michael McIlorum, Gil Dudson, Benjamin Julien, Matt Whitley, Mickael Goudemand.

Interchanges: Alrix Da Costa, Arthur Romano, Paul Seguier, Sam Kasiano.

Tries: Matthieu Laguerre (31), Josh Drinkwater (39), Samisoni Langi (53), Dean Whare (62).

Conversions: Sam Tomkins (2).

Sin Bin: Dylan Napa (23).

Saints Team: Jon Bennison; Tommy Makinson, Ben Davies, Sione Mata’utia, Regan Grace; Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax; Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Matty Lees, Joe Batchelor, Curtis Sironen, Morgan Knowles.

Interchanges: Joey Lussick, Agnatius Paasi, Jake Wingfield, James Bell.

Tries: Sione Mata’utia (6), Tommy Makinson (15), Ben Davies (44), Jack Welsby (65).

Conversions: Ben Davies.

HT: 10-8.