Defeat in the opening round for the Giants in tough conditions

It was a very wet and muddy game at the Stade Gilbert Brutus that ended in defeat for the Giants

It was a slow start to the game for both sides in very tough conditions at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and took until the 17th minute for the breakthrough. A stab through from Dodd sat up perfectly for Condon to dot down.

Faatape went over 6 minutes later, but a George Flanagan Try saver stopped the Dragons’ centre from grounding. Sexton added a penalty goal before Staines opened a gap with a show and go and went through to extend the lead to 14 without response 7 minutes from the interval.

Just before the break, Olly Russell saw a yellow card brandished for a professional foul, but it got brighter when Halsall found room to exploit. He took on Staines and weaved around him to score in the corner.

The game trundled past the hour mark before the second half had any points, but it was in the favour of the hosts. An offload a yard short from Faataape to Makinson and he dotted down.

The Giants had a glimmer of hope with 10 to play when Flanagan got to a Lolohea kick in goal before anyone else to score and give himself an easy conversion.

The game was further put to bed by Catalans when provider turned scorer. Faatape this time adding his name to the list of try scorers after running a line on the left edge.

Giants Try Scorers

Halsall, Flanagan

Conversions

Flanagan 1/2