Tomkins’ top drop edges cliffhanger
CATALANS DRAGONS got back to winning ways with a late, late Sam Tomkins drop goal against Huddersfield.
“It was one of those games where small margins make a massive difference,” said Giants coach
Ian Watson after the 78th-minute onepointer decided the outcome.
“I thought our effort was outstanding but we should have been a bit smarter in certain areas. We’ve got to turn those efforts into wins now.”
The Giants got off to a flying start in heatwave conditions in Perpignan as Chris Mcqueen pounced on a mistake by Samisoni Langi to score in the fourth minute.
They were full value for their lead until
Sam Kasiano and Arthur Mourgue came from the bench to spark some life into the Dragons.
Catalans pulled level just before halftime, when Arthur Romano (right, with Tomkins) scored in the corner following good work from his centre Dean Whare.
Ben Jullien doubled the Dragons’ tally with a try three minutes after the break, Tomkins’ touchline conversion pushing Catalans 10-4 ahead.
Giants hooker
Catalans 13 Hudd’fld 12
Denny Levi levelled the scores again with a 56th-minute try and a Will Pryce penalty put Huddersfield in front for the first time in the game.
But Tomkins equalised with a penalty of his own six minutes from the end to set up a grandstand finish.
Mitchell Pearce’s attempt at a drop goal for the hosts struck a post but then Tomkins found the target two minutes from time.
Huddersfield, who were replaced in third spot by the Dragons, saw their injury woes worsen when Oliver Watson left the pitch with an arm in a sling.