Super League: Lost goal from Sam Tomkins seals dramatic Catalan Dragons win over Huddersfield Giants

England captain Tomkins netted a dying drop goal in Perpignan to secure victory over one of the Dragons’ other play-off contenders; Arthur Romano and Benjamin Jullien crossed for the hosts, while Chris McQueen and Ashton Golding got Huddersfield tries

Sam Tomkins was the hero as the Catalan Dragons came back to victory in spectacular fashion in Perpignan with a 13-12 victory over Huddersfield Giants to put them ahead of their opponents in the Betfred Super League.

The Giants appeared to have overcome sweltering 33-degree heat to secure a third victory of the season against the French side when Will Pryce kicked in a long-range penalty to give his side a 12-10 lead 15 minutes from time. end.

But England captain Tomkins leveled his side with a penalty and scored a loose goal a minute from time to decide a thrilling, albeit error-strewn, encounter.

Game history

Catalan President Bernard Guasch witnessed the thrilling end, who was back in his seat in the main stand at Stade Gilbert Brutus after serving a four-match ban for making physical contact with the referee following a defeat at home against the Giants in June.

It was their only home league loss of 2022 and the Giants were on course for another famous victory after a sloppy first-half performance by the Dragons.

Huddersfield, who had utility player Ashton Golding in place of injured winger Jermaine McGillvary, got off to the best possible start, with second rower Chris McQueen pounced on a mistake by winger Mathieu Laguerre to score his 13th try of the season after just four minutes.

Olly Russell, whose high kick led to the forward, couldn’t add the goal but the Giants were good value for their early lead as the Catalans struggled for any cohesion in conditions sticky.

Arthur Romano dives into the corner to finish for the Catalans

The introduction of heavyweight prop Sam Kasiano and keen utility full-back Arthur Mourgue seemed to have injected new purpose into the Dragons attack, but Kasiano’s handling let him down as they fell short to keep up the pressure.

When Laguerre finally found his way to the line he was turned on his back by Giants substitute Sam Hewitt, but the Catalans quickly moved the ball down the line and a sublime pass from center Dean Whare put Romano through. equalize five minutes before half-time. -time.

Tomkins was narrowly pushed aside with his conversion attempt, but the Dragons took the lead two minutes into the second half.

Pryce’s spot kick on the full gave the home side a nice attacking position and second rower Benjamin Jullien held off McQueen’s tackle to score his second try after being put through a gap by the Mitchell Pearce standoff.

Danny Levi breaks away from the defense to score a try for Huddersfield

Tomkins added the goal to make it 10-4 but it was tied again in the 56th minute when Huddersfield hooker Danny Levi completed a break from the impressive McQueen to score his second try. team, which Russell converted.

Russell was sent off with a shoulder injury before the hour mark, just as his side had been awarded a penalty from 35 yards out, and Pryce came forward to score the goal.

This sparked a frantic final which was dominated by the home side. Tomkins leveled the scores with a penalty after being on the end of a high tackle from Hewitt and, after Pearce’s drop-goal attempt bounced off the woodwork, it was Tomkins on target with the winning pointer .

And after?

The Catalans are at home again next Saturday when they host Leeds Rhinos (kick-off 6pm UK time), while Huddersfield host Warrington Wolves earlier today (3pm) .