Ladbrokes Challenge Cup: Catalans Dragons’ road to the final
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Despite an up-and-down campaign in Super League, Catalans Dragons have stormed their way to the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final.
Steve McNamara’s side are heading into a first final since 2007 – and bidding to pick up the club’s first ever major honour.
They’re 15/8 for glory at Wembley. And ahead of Saturday’s all-or-nothing showdown against Warrington Wolves, we look back at Catalans’ road to the final…
Fifth Round – York City Knights 22-34 Catalans Dragons
The Perpignan outfit survived a first-half scare to see off League 1 opposition at Bootham Crescent.
Catalans took a 10-0 lead before two superb tries from York’s hometown hero Joe Porter drew them level. But the visitors eventually proved too strong.
It was a real team effort from the Dragons, with six different try scorers. However, Lucas Albert – who converted five goals – stood out from the pack with his ice-cool composure.
Sixth Round – Catalans Dragons 56-10 Whitehaven
If the win at York was nervy, this one could hardly have been more comfortable.
The powerhouse that is Jodie Broughton grabbed the opening try within 60 seconds, en route to a hat-trick. Whitehaven never really had a sniff, and were outscored 32-0 in a dominant second half display from the hosts.
Quarter Finals – Huddersfield Giants 6-20 Catalans Dragons
Defensive strength hasn’t really been a hallmark of Catalans’ Super League displays in 2018 – but this was an excellent rearguard display.
The first-half was a bruising, low scoring affair, with Steve McNamara’s side edging it 4-0 at the break.
In a tight game, the definitive moment came as David Mead capitalised on a handling error to bag a try shortly after the break. And Greg Bird sealed things with the visitors’ second and last try of the day.
Semi Finals – St Helens 16-35 Catalans Dragons
The University of Bolton Stadium hosted both of this year’s semis – and Catalans kicked off the day’s double-header with a superb all-round performance.
McNamara’s men were utterly dominant in the first-half, leading 27-0 at the break. A deft double of tries from Ben Garcia summed up the slickness of the French side’s display.
Saints managed a mini-revival later in the game, but there was only ever one team winning this clash.
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