Catalans Dragons moved to within a point of the Betfred Super League top eight after beating defending champions Leeds Rhinos 33-20 in Perpignan.
The Dragons led 17-4 at the break thanks to tries from Greg Bird, Benjamin Garcia and Mickey McIlorum with Josh Drinkwater adding two conversion and Tony Gigot landing a drop goal five minutes before the interval. Ash Handley scored an unconverted try for the visitors.
The Rhinos rallied after the break with tries from Brett Ferres, Ryan Hall and Brad Dwyer but the Dragons stayed on top of the scoreboard with tries from Gigot, Drinkwater and Jodie Broughton.
It was the third straight defeat for Brian McDermott's side who are now 13 points behind leaders St Helens.
Superbe performance des Dragons qui s’offrent le champion en titre à Brutus pic.twitter.com/Ge9OrVwOLr
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) May 26, 2018
Catalans coach Steve McNamara was delighted with the way his side took control of the game right from the first whistle.
"I’m really happy, we know that the two points are vital for us at this stage and I thought the start was tremendous," McNamara said.
"We were really physical and probably as physical as we’ve been all season and that settled the game for us."
Rhinos coach Brian McDermott knew his side left themselves too much to do after falling behind 16-0 inside 20 minutes.
"The players should be rightfully disappointed with the start," McDermott said.
"We have more in us than that and we have more resistance than what we showed.
"For them to get back into it and get back to within touching distance is a huge credit to them for what is a very inexperienced group."
