Salford (12) 16
Tries: Stapleton, Swain Goals: Ratchford 4
Catalans Dragons (0) 18
Tries: Elima, Carlaw, Mogg, McGuire Goals: Mounis
 McGuire scored the late winning try to complete Catalans' comeback |
A last minute Casey McGuire try kept Catalans Dragons' Super League play-off hopes alive against Salford. The home side looked comfortable at 12-0 up at half time after tries from Craig Stapleton and Lewis Swain with Stefan Ratchford slotting the extras. However, after the break three tries for Catalans from Olivier Elima, Dane Carlaw and Adam Mogg and one Gregory Mounis' conversion levelled the game. A Ratchford kick looked like a Salford winner before McGuire stole the points. Early on Catalans, missing suspended skipper Greg Bird, were unable to create much while Super League's second-bottom side Salford, looking to avoid a fifth straight defeat, were well directed by Ratchford. The opening try came after 10 minutes as burly forward Stapleton handed off one challenge and then barged his way through three more to score from close range.  | 606: DEBATE |
The Reds doubled their lead after Ratchford floated a delicate kick to the corner for Swain. Elima gave the French side hope after half time as he raced onto McGuire's kick to score before Mounis added the goal. The visitors then raised the tempo and claimed a second try as Carlaw, shifted out to the wing, applied the finishing touch to a slick move from Dimitri Pelo's pass. Elima was then stopped just short of a second try but Mogg made no mistake with seven minutes remaining. Mounis could not add the goal and Ratchford stepped up to land a nerveless penalty after 77 minutes to put Salford 16-14 ahead. Yet it was not enough as McGuire crashed over in the final minute to snatch a last-gasp victory. After the match it was revealed Stapleton had been sent off for foul and abusive language by referee Phil Bentham after the final whistle.
Salford coach Shaun McRae: "In the first half we were in absolute total control. "It's been a while since we controlled a team like that. "When we kicked that goal at 14-0 we were still in control but needed a bit more field position. "Some of their repeat sets came off strange decisions and that didn't enable us to recover well enough and get down their end of the field. "I don't think we deserved to lose. I'm disheartened for the players because the effort they put in they deserved more." Catalans' coach Kevin Walters: "After they got the penalty I don't remember too much - I was too busy swearing and cursing. "But Salford were tremendous for most of the match. "It's unfortunate they got beaten but I'm very glad we came through. "We knew it was going to be tough here but I'm very happy to get the win. "It keeps our faint title dream alive.
Salford: Fitzpatrick, Wilshere, Henry, Littler, McGilvray, Smith, Ratchford, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Adamson, Swain.
Replacements: Nash, Paul, Leuluai, Sidlow. Catalans Dragons: Bosc, Stacul, Baile, Croker, Pelo, Mogg, McGuire, Ryles, Bentley, Guisset, Gossard, Carlaw, Fakir.
Replacements: Mounis, Ferriol, Elima, Casty. Att: 3,475 Ref: P Bentham (Warrington).
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