Catalans Dragons continued there march to Super League safety and the Super Eights with a comfortable victory over struggling Salford.
Fouad Yaha scores the games opening try after a thrilling Dragon’s break.
Josh Drinkwater extended the hosts lead with a penalty goal.
Some neat off loads and support play then bust Salford down the middle, Drinkwater was backing up to score. His conversion made it 12-0.
A mistake from the kick off gifted Salford possession and they moved the ball well. Derrell Olpherts scoring in the corner, Ed Chamberlain’s goal attempt was off target 12-4.
From the kick off Catalans put the ball out on the full to hand Salford a penalty in a good attacking position. Tyrone McCarthy’s knock on let the Dragons off the hook.
For the remainder of the first half the home side really upped the ante. Four consecutive goal line drop outs were forced. Salford’s defence stood firm but on the fourth set Jason Baitieri some how got the ball down to score.
Moments later The Dragons were in again, this time Drinkwater’s high kick caught Jake Bibby out. Kenny Edwards took advantage to score.
Drinkwater’s kicking game was outstanding, the Australian has made a huge impact since moving to the South of France. It was yet another kick this time Olpherts couldn’t take it and the ball went from one side of the pitch to the other before Yaha squeezed in at the corner.
Leading 28-4 at half time Catalans put the game to bed in the early stages of the second half. A lovely tip on pass from Brayden Williame provided a hat trick for Yaha. Shortly after Yaha grabbed his fourth try, Drinkwater kicked off the touch line 38-4.
On a brighter note for coach Ian Watson and Salford was the return of Niall Evalds who came off the bench and looked sharp with some nice touches. Evalds will be a key man for the Red Devils in the middle eights.
The hard working Josh Wood was rewarded with a try for Salford which Chamberlain converted 38-10
Catalans had the final say as kenny Edwards went over for second try on the back of yet another drop out.
Josh Drinkwater could prove to be one of the signings of the season as the Dragons face St Helens in a Challenge cup semi final and will now prepare for an assault on the top eight.
Salford’s final regular season game is at home to Leeds next Friday before the Middle Eights and a tough battle for top flight survival.
Final score Catalans 44 Salford 10
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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