Dragons leave it late to slay noble Knights
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STEVE McNAMARA admitted his struggling Catalans were “frustrated” after edging past part-time York into the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.
The Dragons were only one score ahead deep into the second half against a League One Knights team that refused to buckle.
Tries by Jodie Broughton and Greg Bird eventually ended their resolve but McNamara admitted Catalans – adrift at the foot of Super League – still have much to do.
He said: “We’re really frustrated with how we’re playing at the minute but I thought a lot of that was down to what York did.
“I didn’t think at any stage we were in danger of losing, but every time we thought we’d move away from them they found a way back into the contest. We’re pleased to get out of here with a win and into the next stage of the competition.”
Two tries by painter and decorator Joe Porter brought the sides level at 10-10 before Mikael Simon gave the Dragons some breathing space before half-time.
Fouad Yaha, Jason Baitieri and Lucas Albert then crossed for the visitors before Joe Batchelor’s late consolation for the third tier club, who emerged with immense credit.
Coach James Ford said: “I thought it was an immense effort – the game was in the balance for large parts.
“You wouldn’t have thought there was £1.7million worth of difference between the sides.”