Catalans Dragons 23 Hull FC 18: Hull lose top-four spot after late defeat to Dragons

Catalans Dragons scored two tries in the last nine minutes to end their six-match losing run and break Hull's hearts in a dramatic Betfred Super League clash in Perpignan.

The Dragons were heading for another defeat when Hull winger Nick Rawsthorne scored his second try of the match on 67 minutes to give his side an 18-11 lead.

However, the Catalans finished strongly, with Fouad Yaha and Tony Gigot touching down kicks from scrum-half Luke Walsh to secure a 23-18 victory in the first home match under caretaker coaches Jerome Guisset and Michael Monaghan.

The victory enabled the French club to climb out of the bottom four at the expense of Warrington, while Hull drop out of the top four after a third successive defeat – their misery compounded by the late dismissal of prop Liam Watts for a high tackle on Dragons captain Remi Casty.

Former Hull prop Sam Moa’s try, converted by Walsh, gave the hosts a seventh-minute lead.

Hull replied as Albert Kelly showed deceptive strength to force his way over the line after taking Danny Houghton’s pass from the ruck.

Jake Connor levelled the scores with the conversion but Walsh edged the French side back in front with two penalties and drop goal.

Hull went in front for the first time on 54 minutes when Connor intercepted Paul Aiton’s pass and got Rawsthorne over for his first try for the club, converted by Connor.

Steve Michaels and Josh Griffin both had tries disallowed as Hull piled on the pressure before Rawsthorne grabbed his second try.

Walsh was the provider for both late tries, right winger Yaha leaping high to touch down his high kick and full-back Gigot reading the Australian’s trademark punt off the outside of his boot to grab the winner.

Walsh converted both, taking his goal tally to five from as many attempts, and visitors Hull were already doomed by the time Watts was sent off for a high tackle on Casty two minutes from the end.

Catalans Dragons: Gigot, Duport, Romano, Thornley, Yaha, Walsh, Myler, Dezaria, Bird, Bousquet, Moa, Aiton, Casty. Substitutes: Simon, Da Costa, Seguier, Perez.

Hull: Shaul, Rawsthorne, Tuimavave, Griffin, Michaels, Connor, Kelly, Bowden, Houghton, Watts, Manu, Minichiello, Washbrook. Substitutes: Downs, Fash, Turgut, Green.

Referee: J Child (RFL).