Walters enjoys scrappy success

Catalans Dragons coach Kevin Walters admitted his team had won ugly as they ground out a 30-18 victory over Celtic Crusaders at Brewery Field.

It was back down to earth with a bump for the Welsh side after their first Super League win at Bradford last Sunday as their French opponents scored six tries - four in a dominant first half - to claim victory, although they nearly let their advantage slip when Crusaders pulled back from 22-6 behind at the break to 22-18 in the second half.

It was the Dragons' first victory in four Super League attempts, and head coach Walters said: "It was a scrappy game and not the best of matches this year but I'm just happy we won."

He added: "We have been struggling for wins this year as have Celtic and that was always the way it was going to be. Fortunately for us, we finished in front.''

Catalans could have thought they were away with the game when 16 points ahead at the interval but Walters added: "You are never safe with the Dragons given our form this year. Celtic were always trying to finish strongly.

"Their first half was not quite as good but their second half showed how they can be."

Greg Bird, Olivier Elima, Adam Mogg, Shane Perry, Steven Bell and Cyril Stacul got the Catalans touchdowns, with Thomas Bosc booting three conversions.

Centre Josh Hannay landed a try and three Crusaders conversions, with Jason Chan and Jordan James getting the others.