Crusaders (8) 14
Tries: Chan, Martin Goals: Witt 3
Catalans Dragons (0) 6
Tries: Elima Goal: Mounis
 Former Lion Gareth Thomas won 100 Wales caps as a rugby union player |
Gareth Thomas was helped off injured as he came in for a tough rugby league baptism on a wet night in Wrexham. But it did not stop his Crusaders side hanging on to claim their third Super League win of the season. The Wales rugby union convert went off just half an hour into his Crusaders debut when he was hurt in a heavy Catalans Dragons tackle and forced off. But Brian Noble's Welsh side ultimately prevailed thanks to tries from Jason Chan and Tony Martin's late clincher. The anticipated first appearance of the former Wales and Lions full-back, signed from Cardiff Blues earlier this month, had contributed to a healthy crowd of 6,124 - more than double the figure that watched last season's corresponding fixture in Bridgend. But, although Thomas was not seriously injured, the 35-year-old failed to make much impact on his first start. Catalans fell behind after eight minutes when Chan weaved his way through a static defence to burrow over the line.  | 606: DEBATE |
After converting, Michael Witt then tried to create another try for Thomas with a high kick but the new man was unable to catch under pressure. The hosts then lost Rocky Trimarchi to injury before Thomas had to be helped back to the bench after coming infield to claim the ball. Witt then stretched Crusaders' lead from a penalty given for a clearly high tackle by Jamal Fakir, putting the home side 8-0 up at the break. Catalans cut the gap to just two points after the restart when Casey McGuire launched a high kick out wide and Olivier Elima rose high to claim a try converted by Gregory Mounis. But Martin sealed it nine minute from time when he powered his way through a Dimitri Pelo tackle to touch down, the video referee giving the winter signing from Wakefield the benefit of the doubt that he had grounded the ball.
Crusaders coach Brian Noble said: "It was a bit of an arm wrestle and the weather didn't help. It wasn't a great spectacle. "For Gareth Thomas to do what he has done in seven days is a fabulous effort. He has never played any rugby league. "He has got a bit of a headache but I am confident he will be a super player for us down the track." Catalans coach Kevin Walters said: "The result wasn't the one we were looking for but I am very proud of the boys and their effort. "That is a step forward but things aren't working too well for us at the moment. "But, over time, if we keep showing the same attitude we will win more games than we lose."
Crusaders: Kear, Thomas, Martin, Mellars, Dyer, Lupton, Witt, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Chan, Hauraki, Trimarchi.
Replacements: Thackray, Flower, Youngquest, Winternstein. Catalans Dragons: Walker, Bell, Raguin, Pelo, Stacul, Sa, McGuire, Ferriol, Bentley, Carlaw, Elima, Gossard, Johnson.
Replacements: Guisset, Mounis, Fakir, Gigot. Referee: Thierry Alibert (Toulouse). Att: 6,124
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