St Helens took another step towards retaining the Challenge Cup courtesy of a commanding victory. The Super League champions were handed arguably the toughest draw of the quarter-finals, with a trip to Perpignan to face the Dragons in a ferocious atmosphere in the south of France.
However, as they have done so many times in recent years, they reserved one of their best performances for when it truly mattered. What looked a daunting task was navigated with some comfort as they progressed to next month’s semi-finals at Elland Road at the expense of the side they defeated in last year’s Grand Final.
Catalans played their part in an entertaining contest for large periods but it was the class this St Helens juggernaut possesses in abundance that proved to be the difference. That was underlined in a blistering five-minute spell in the first half that brought three St Helens tries, and put the visitors in control by the break.
After Fouad Yaha’s early try put Catalans ahead, the Saints responded in stunning fashion. A long-range move was started and finished by the outstanding Jack Welsby to nudge St Helens in front, before Welsby turned provider for Lewis Dodd to cross.
On the following set, Saints went left and Jonny Lomax’s crisp pass was converted by Mark Percival, who raced through to make it 20-4 in the visitors’ favour. A yellow card for Curtis Sironen with half-time approaching gave Catalans a glimmer of hope, which they capitalised upon two tackles later as Gil Dudson crossed. However, any time the hosts narrowed the gap, St Helens hit back with military precision.
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The Saints extended their lead again after the break when Morgan Knowles forced his way across the line, and while Yaha’s second gave the home fans hope. That was eradicated as Dan Norman touched down under the posts.
Any lingering doubts about the outcome were firmly put to bed when Lomax laid another try on a plate, this time Joe Batchelor the grateful recipient.
Tom Davies rounded off the scoring in the final moments for Catalans, but by then, there was little doubting which side it would be taking another step closer to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It will take some side to stop St Helens, you feel.
