Dragons rally to stun Reds
Casey McGuire was the hero for Catalans Dragons after his late try clinched an 18-16 victory over Salford at The Willows.
Last Updated: 07/08/09 10:35pm
Casey McGuire was the hero for Catalans Dragons after his late, late try secured a crucial 18-16 victory over Salford at The Willows.
The former Brisbane Bronco touched down in the final minute to clinch a much-needed two points that keeps the French club firmly in the play-off picture.
Defeat was tough on the Reds after they had built up a 12-0 lead by the break having dominated the opening 40 minutes.
After being hit by a Dragons comeback, Salford managed to forge 16-14 ahead with just three minutes to play thanks to Stefan Ratchford's penalty. However they were unable to cling on, McGuire denying them at the death.
Cushion
Such a result had not looked on the cards at half time after Salford had bossed the game, only missed opportunities denying them a bigger cushion.
Ratchford, preferred at scrum-half to Richie Myler, was influential in attack and was also impressive with the boot, including kicking two first-half conversions.
He was on target with his first attempt following Craig Stapleton's opening try, the Australian, who this week confirmed he will head home at the end of the campaign, barging his way over.
Only some desperate Dragons defending caught Jeremy Smith before he went in at the corner soon after, though it wasn't long before the Reds scored again.
After Malcolm Alker was stopped just short Ratchford floated over a perfectly-weighted kick to set up Wilshere before stepping up to add the extras.
Still searching for their first point at the home of their opponents, Les Catalans slipped further behind just three minutes after the interval when Ratchford slotted over his first penalty of the night.
Comeback
Conceding so early in the half seemed to spring the visitors to life and they soon broke their Willows duck when Olivier Elima raced onto McGuire's kick.
Gregory Mounis slotted over the conversion but failed with his next attempt after Dane Carlaw, playing in the centres, accepted Dimitri Pelo's pass to finish off a flowing move on 64 minutes.
With seven minutes to play the Dragons drew level thanks to a try from Adam Mogg - only for Salford to go back in front thanks to Ratchford's two-pointer.
But, just as it looked as if McRae's men were set to end a four-match losing run, McGuire popped up to win it for Les Catalans just before the final hooter.
To make matters even worse for the Reds Stapleton was sent off by referee Phil Bentham for using foul and abusive language after the game had finished.
