Its been a topsy turvy few weeks for the Dragons reserve side. Before Easter they looked nailed on for the leaders shield and a play off place, but such is the squished up nature of the Elite 1 table a couple of poor results left them down the table.
Things have picked up of late and despite being a game ahead of second placed Lezignan and third placed Avignon a semi final derby against Olivier Elima and Palau Broncos looks a real possibility now.
With Toulon the scheduled last opponent being expunged that is the end of our regular season.
St Gaudens (16) 26
T : Anger, N. Wall, B. Wall, Lucas, Dumas
G : Lucas 3
St Estève XIII Catalan (16) 28
T : Le Cam 2, Zafra, S. Bled, Brochon
G : Mourgue 4
Congratulations to Elite 1 young player of the year Roman Franco whose progress we have closely followed this campaign.
Thursday 30 May 2019
Dragons wheelchair team are champions
Catalans Dragons (28) 58
T : N. Clausells 3, G. Clausells 3, Bourson 3
G : N. Clausells 11
Avignon (12) 42
It was a high scoring final in the French wheelchair rugby league final. Thankfully for us the Dragons came out on the right side of the scoreline despite a late Avignon fight back.
You can read more here on the clubs official website.
T : N. Clausells 3, G. Clausells 3, Bourson 3
G : N. Clausells 11
Avignon (12) 42
It was a high scoring final in the French wheelchair rugby league final. Thankfully for us the Dragons came out on the right side of the scoreline despite a late Avignon fight back.
You can read more here on the clubs official website.
Womens team meet Lyon this weekend
The Dragons ladies team will be in semi-final action this weekend against Lyon.
All you need to know is here on the link to official website.
All you need to know is here on the link to official website.
Momentum maintained as Dracs win at Magic
Catalans showed their recent Magic weekend woes were behind them with a second consecutive win at the festival of rugby league.
After heartbreak against Wakefield and Huddersfield in recent times, they built on the win over Salford last year with a hard earned 2 points over Trinity.
Wakefield Trinity (0) 18
T : Kyle Wood, Danny Kirmond, Ben Jones-Bishop
G : Ryan Hampshire 3
DG :
Catalans Dragons (12) 25
T : Fouad Yaha, Tony Gigot, Ben Garcia 2
G : Tony Gigot 4
DG : Tony Gigot
After a strong start including some calls that went our way for once, Wakey got back in it to set up a grandstand finish.
However a calming drop goal from Tony Gigot created a decent platform for Ben Garcia to crash over from close range at the hooter to add some gloss.
After heartbreak against Wakefield and Huddersfield in recent times, they built on the win over Salford last year with a hard earned 2 points over Trinity.
Wakefield Trinity (0) 18
T : Kyle Wood, Danny Kirmond, Ben Jones-Bishop
G : Ryan Hampshire 3
DG :
Catalans Dragons (12) 25
T : Fouad Yaha, Tony Gigot, Ben Garcia 2
G : Tony Gigot 4
DG : Tony Gigot
After a strong start including some calls that went our way for once, Wakey got back in it to set up a grandstand finish.
However a calming drop goal from Tony Gigot created a decent platform for Ben Garcia to crash over from close range at the hooter to add some gloss.
Wednesday 29 May 2019
McIlorum signs on
Michael McIlorum has celebrated his return to fitness and the great current form of the team by signing a two year extension.
Great news.
Sunday 19 May 2019
Dragons deliver in Camp Nou
Catalans Dragons (8) 33
T : Micky McIlorum, David Mead 2, Samisoni Langi, Sam Kasiano
G : Tony Gigot 6
DG : Tony Gigot
Wigan Warriors (6) 16
T : Liam Marshall, Oliver Gildart, Zak Hardaker
G : Zak Hardaker 2
DG :
Pre match
Before I get into the game itself I wanted to cover some of the build up and pre-match promotion and marketing of our trip to the South of the region.
It has been an exciting few months since the announcement that the Dragons would be taking a match on the road to Barcelona. The club has been building it up nicely with lots of social media and dedicated merchandise range.
Of course there remains people who are critical of both the concept and how well the sport has got behind the match, but that's social media for you.
Both clubs pushed the game hard and when the official FC Barcelona socials start promoting a rugby game you know something has gone well.
I saw Tweets during the match comparing the crowd of over 30,000 with a sell out rugby union crowd a few years back. My feeling is that the international and European club game in the other sport is better developed as are their abilities to promote an occasion rather than the sport.
Rugby League relies on what happens on the park first and what happens in fan parks second. And do you know what? I am comfortable with that.
Match
The first half was not surprisingly forgettable with little running rugby as both teams seemed to take time to get a handle on their surroundings.
Greg Bird, who missed the Challenge Cup final along with much of this season, didn't last long into the game before a bad injury. That he was helping direct the team towards the end of the match with his subs bib being used as a sling tells you what you need to know about the guy. Legend.
With no Little Sam or Matty Smith, the emphasis for creativity fell to Tony Gigot who had a tough first half and Big Sam who grew into the game.
There was lots of huffing and puffing but not too many points to show for the endeavour by the half way mark.
Thankfully the second half was much better.
After a let off when a Wigan try was chalked off for a foot in touch. The Dragons cut loose. David Mead (2), Middle Sam Langi and Big Sam blew Wigan away with a flurry of tries that started from short range using forward power before being run in from long range.
This was what the crowd had come to see. Dragons flinging the ball about with disregard and looking dangerous from all areas of the park.
Wigan weren't as bad as their coach seemed to indicate. They were just outplayed for that third 20 minute period and there were not too many teams who would have lived with us during that spell.
A late double for the visitors including a lovely kick and chase from Zak Hardaker made the score a bit closer. In the context of the 80 minutes I think it was a fair reflection.
What now?
The important thing now is that the game in Catalunya continues to build from this. I am not suggesting we go back every season, but maybe a game in Girona where there is similar airport access to Perpignan or Carcassonne?
The question now is whether the attendance yesterday will beat that at Anfield for Magic ?
T : Micky McIlorum, David Mead 2, Samisoni Langi, Sam Kasiano
G : Tony Gigot 6
DG : Tony Gigot
Wigan Warriors (6) 16
T : Liam Marshall, Oliver Gildart, Zak Hardaker
G : Zak Hardaker 2
DG :
Pre match
Before I get into the game itself I wanted to cover some of the build up and pre-match promotion and marketing of our trip to the South of the region.
It has been an exciting few months since the announcement that the Dragons would be taking a match on the road to Barcelona. The club has been building it up nicely with lots of social media and dedicated merchandise range.
Of course there remains people who are critical of both the concept and how well the sport has got behind the match, but that's social media for you.
Both clubs pushed the game hard and when the official FC Barcelona socials start promoting a rugby game you know something has gone well.
I saw Tweets during the match comparing the crowd of over 30,000 with a sell out rugby union crowd a few years back. My feeling is that the international and European club game in the other sport is better developed as are their abilities to promote an occasion rather than the sport.
Rugby League relies on what happens on the park first and what happens in fan parks second. And do you know what? I am comfortable with that.
Match
The first half was not surprisingly forgettable with little running rugby as both teams seemed to take time to get a handle on their surroundings.
Greg Bird, who missed the Challenge Cup final along with much of this season, didn't last long into the game before a bad injury. That he was helping direct the team towards the end of the match with his subs bib being used as a sling tells you what you need to know about the guy. Legend.
With no Little Sam or Matty Smith, the emphasis for creativity fell to Tony Gigot who had a tough first half and Big Sam who grew into the game.
There was lots of huffing and puffing but not too many points to show for the endeavour by the half way mark.
Thankfully the second half was much better.
After a let off when a Wigan try was chalked off for a foot in touch. The Dragons cut loose. David Mead (2), Middle Sam Langi and Big Sam blew Wigan away with a flurry of tries that started from short range using forward power before being run in from long range.
This was what the crowd had come to see. Dragons flinging the ball about with disregard and looking dangerous from all areas of the park.
Wigan weren't as bad as their coach seemed to indicate. They were just outplayed for that third 20 minute period and there were not too many teams who would have lived with us during that spell.
A late double for the visitors including a lovely kick and chase from Zak Hardaker made the score a bit closer. In the context of the 80 minutes I think it was a fair reflection.
What now?
The important thing now is that the game in Catalunya continues to build from this. I am not suggesting we go back every season, but maybe a game in Girona where there is similar airport access to Perpignan or Carcassonne?
The question now is whether the attendance yesterday will beat that at Anfield for Magic ?
A happy coach
Tuesday 14 May 2019
Challenge Cup holders beat Doncaster to progress
Catalans Dragons (18) 62
T : Brayden Wiliame 4, Matt Whitley 2, Jason Baitieri, David Mead 2, Fouad Yaha 2, Tony Gigot
G : Sam Tomkins, Tony Gigot 6
Doncaster (6) 6
T : Connor Bower
G : Matty Beharrell
When you consider how badly we struggled to beat York in our opening Challenge Cup appearance of last season, you can be justifiably pleased with both the performance and scoreline in this match.
First the negative in the form of an injury to Little Sam who might miss out on the Camp Nou this weekend based on reports in the media. Head Coach Steve McNamara played down the seriousness of Sam's back spasm Monday, but as the week goes on we will have to wait and see.
The positives include 12 tries including 2 for David Mead as he comes back from injury. Brayden Williame is arguably the best player in the Northern hemisphere at the moment and he helped himself to 4.
The draw hasn't been particularly kind to us with another away trip to Hull FC who beat Castleford. The UK Supporters club are getting involved with mustering Dracs fans so expect an email to drop into you inbox shortly.
T : Brayden Wiliame 4, Matt Whitley 2, Jason Baitieri, David Mead 2, Fouad Yaha 2, Tony Gigot
G : Sam Tomkins, Tony Gigot 6
Doncaster (6) 6
T : Connor Bower
G : Matty Beharrell
When you consider how badly we struggled to beat York in our opening Challenge Cup appearance of last season, you can be justifiably pleased with both the performance and scoreline in this match.
First the negative in the form of an injury to Little Sam who might miss out on the Camp Nou this weekend based on reports in the media. Head Coach Steve McNamara played down the seriousness of Sam's back spasm Monday, but as the week goes on we will have to wait and see.
The positives include 12 tries including 2 for David Mead as he comes back from injury. Brayden Williame is arguably the best player in the Northern hemisphere at the moment and he helped himself to 4.
The draw hasn't been particularly kind to us with another away trip to Hull FC who beat Castleford. The UK Supporters club are getting involved with mustering Dracs fans so expect an email to drop into you inbox shortly.
Jodie Broughton makes his return in Domestic league win
Wing wizard Jodie Broughton started his latest comeback from injury and bagged a two try haul as Catalans won comfortably against Avignon over the weekend.
St Estève XIII Catalan (38) 56
T: Jobe, Meresta-Doucet, Broughton 2, Bled, Vailhen, Barthes, Zafra, Franco, Cozza
G: Guasch 8
Avignon (6) 22
T: Domic, Melhout, O. Arnaud, F. Jullien
G: O. Arnaud 3
Fingers crossed this is the start of a good spell of health for Jodie and he can play his part in the remainder of the Super League season.
St Estève XIII Catalan (38) 56
T: Jobe, Meresta-Doucet, Broughton 2, Bled, Vailhen, Barthes, Zafra, Franco, Cozza
G: Guasch 8
Avignon (6) 22
T: Domic, Melhout, O. Arnaud, F. Jullien
G: O. Arnaud 3
Fingers crossed this is the start of a good spell of health for Jodie and he can play his part in the remainder of the Super League season.
Quiz Question...Name the 2011 squad from the autographs...
Ping us your answers on Twitter (@sangetordotcom) Facebook (search UK Dragons) RLFans (Sang et or Forum) or use the contact form on the right hand side of this post...
Good luck !
James
(If it helps, click the pic to make it bigger)
Good luck !
James
(If it helps, click the pic to make it bigger)
Behind enemy lines #2 - Boston (the Lincolnshire one)
My previous column was called "A Southerner in League" but as I have recently moved 40 minutes north into Lincolnshire this latest series has been re-branded as Behind Enemy Lines.
I suppose any game of rugby league that I go to where the Catalans aren't playing is going to be judged as such, although I have to say such was the experience at the Princes Royal Sports Arena, that this will become my regular haunt away from Perpignan.
The match last Saturday pitched the home side, the Boston Buccaneers with the brilliantly named visitors, Sherwood Forest Wolf Hunt.
The illusion of hardened rugby players lugging tree trucks around the forest was soon shattered by another spectator who told me "they are called Sherwood Forest, but we all know they are from Mansfield..."
They kept up appearances by wearing Lincoln green (along with red which made them look like a South Sydney side who rob from the rich to give to the poor!).
Entry was free and the bar was busy with a good selection of drinks in a plastic cup for pitch side consumption.
The match kicked off with a knock on from the visiting full back and you would have been forgiven for thinking this would be indicative of the match quality.
Far from it.
80 minutes later the game was 30-32 to the visitors but Boston had scored their second try in the last five minutes to give themselves a kick to tie it.
Despite having made some impressive conversions from pretty tight angles, the kick was missed and the visitors had claimed a hard earned and brilliantly contested win.
I have one simple sentance to close this piece... and it is something that the RFL should read, absorb and use.
"Give grassroots rugby league a try, you wont regret it"
You can follow the Buccaneers by visiting their website.
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bostonbuccaneersrlfc
I suppose any game of rugby league that I go to where the Catalans aren't playing is going to be judged as such, although I have to say such was the experience at the Princes Royal Sports Arena, that this will become my regular haunt away from Perpignan.
The match last Saturday pitched the home side, the Boston Buccaneers with the brilliantly named visitors, Sherwood Forest Wolf Hunt.
The illusion of hardened rugby players lugging tree trucks around the forest was soon shattered by another spectator who told me "they are called Sherwood Forest, but we all know they are from Mansfield..."
They kept up appearances by wearing Lincoln green (along with red which made them look like a South Sydney side who rob from the rich to give to the poor!).
Entry was free and the bar was busy with a good selection of drinks in a plastic cup for pitch side consumption.
The match kicked off with a knock on from the visiting full back and you would have been forgiven for thinking this would be indicative of the match quality.
Far from it.
80 minutes later the game was 30-32 to the visitors but Boston had scored their second try in the last five minutes to give themselves a kick to tie it.
Despite having made some impressive conversions from pretty tight angles, the kick was missed and the visitors had claimed a hard earned and brilliantly contested win.
I have one simple sentance to close this piece... and it is something that the RFL should read, absorb and use.
"Give grassroots rugby league a try, you wont regret it"
You can follow the Buccaneers by visiting their website.
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bostonbuccaneersrlfc
Wednesday 8 May 2019
Dragons fans wanted in the Midlands...
I am thinking of playing a few friendly games of touch and pass in the Peterborough summer league under the Catalans Dragons banner.
It's on a Friday evening and is six a side.
There is touch tackle and non-contact and its all very friendly and sociable.
To be in our squad the only proviso in a Dragons replica shirt so we can look uniform.
If you are interested please get in touch via our RLFans forum, Twitter or Facebook.
Teams can be made up of male, female and any age. There is no tackling so its safe for families to play.
James
More details on the tournament can be found here.
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/yaxleyyaks/news/summer-touch-launches-this-week-2424065.html
It's on a Friday evening and is six a side.
There is touch tackle and non-contact and its all very friendly and sociable.
To be in our squad the only proviso in a Dragons replica shirt so we can look uniform.
If you are interested please get in touch via our RLFans forum, Twitter or Facebook.
Teams can be made up of male, female and any age. There is no tackling so its safe for families to play.
James
More details on the tournament can be found here.
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/yaxleyyaks/news/summer-touch-launches-this-week-2424065.html
Tuesday 7 May 2019
Dragons more topsy than turvy at Hull
This strange old season took another twist with Catalans battered a weakened Hull side at the KC stadium last Friday evening.
Despite going behind to a Micky Paea try early on, were raced on to 18 points before the break.
Fouad Yaha scored a proper touchline hugger, Tony Gigot added a second before Brayden Willame scored the pick of the bunch with a show of real acceleration and determination.
The hype around Arthur Romano won't be subsiding after another strong performance and decent touch down. Matt Whitley and Samisoni Langi scored the remainder.
Lee Radford had a moan about injuries, Steve McNamara pointed to the nine injured players we had at home. And that was that.
Hull FC (6) 6
T : Mickey Paea
G : Jake Connor
DG :
Catalans Dragons (18) 37
T : Fouad Yaha, Tony Gigot, Brayden Wiliame, Arthur Romano, Matt Whitley, Samisoni Langi
G : Sam Tomkins 6
DG : Tony Gigot
Despite going behind to a Micky Paea try early on, were raced on to 18 points before the break.
Fouad Yaha scored a proper touchline hugger, Tony Gigot added a second before Brayden Willame scored the pick of the bunch with a show of real acceleration and determination.
The hype around Arthur Romano won't be subsiding after another strong performance and decent touch down. Matt Whitley and Samisoni Langi scored the remainder.
Lee Radford had a moan about injuries, Steve McNamara pointed to the nine injured players we had at home. And that was that.
Hull FC (6) 6
T : Mickey Paea
G : Jake Connor
DG :
Catalans Dragons (18) 37
T : Fouad Yaha, Tony Gigot, Brayden Wiliame, Arthur Romano, Matt Whitley, Samisoni Langi
G : Sam Tomkins 6
DG : Tony Gigot
Catalans get to Coupe de France final
Limoux (8) 12
T : Vergniol, Puso, Mingaud
G :
DG :
St Estève XIII Catalan (24) 47
T : Carré, Séguier, Mourgue 2, Ambert, J. Guasch, Perez, T. Chan
G : J. Guasch 6, Brochon 1
DG : J. Guasch
The Catalans made short work of rivals Limoux racing into a half time lead that proved sufficient. This semi final win sees them enjoy the home comforts of the Stade Gilbert Brutus for the final.
T : Vergniol, Puso, Mingaud
G :
DG :
St Estève XIII Catalan (24) 47
T : Carré, Séguier, Mourgue 2, Ambert, J. Guasch, Perez, T. Chan
G : J. Guasch 6, Brochon 1
DG : J. Guasch
The Catalans made short work of rivals Limoux racing into a half time lead that proved sufficient. This semi final win sees them enjoy the home comforts of the Stade Gilbert Brutus for the final.
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