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| Catalans go for new benchmark | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 4 2008, 04:50 AM (40 Views) | |
| Centurion | Apr 4 2008, 04:50 AM Post #1 |
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Catalans Dragons can reach new heights by extending their unbeaten run to five matches at the expense of Huddersfield Giants on Friday. The Perpignan club, who collected the wooden spoon in their first season in 2006, have won three and drawn one of their last four matches and victory at the Galpharm Stadium could lift them as high as fourth in the table depending on other results. That would be unchartered territory for the Dragons, who briefly reached the top six last April after stringing together three wins in a row, their previous best run in engage Super League. "They’ve been a surprise to everybody, considering the amount of injuries they’ve had," admitted Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp. "In particular (Thomas) Bosc has stepped up to the plate and done extremely well. "The seasoned professionals have also been in really good form, particularly Alex Chan. For a front-rower to do over 200 metres (of carrying) and 20-plus tackles, which he did against Hull last week, is a magnificent effort. "They are very adventurous with the ball and have plenty of pace on the edges. The challenge for them is to carry some of their home form across the water." The Catalans won only five away matches in their first two seasons, including the Millennium Magic weekend, but have already triumphed at Castleford and Harlequins this year to add to home wins over St Helens and Wakefield. Huddersfield’s only wins have come at the Galpharm Stadium and Sharp is confident they too can begin to make a serious assault on the top six. "We’ve been in decent nick for about four weeks now," he said. "That encourages us but we still think we can be better. "We’re not fooling ourselves by saying we’re satisfied with what we’re doing. There are some areas of the game we can improve on." Hull FC, Grand Finalists less than two years ago, remain next to bottom after taking just five points from the first nine matches of the season, but former player Steve McNamara will take little notice of form when he takes his Bradford Bulls side to the KC Stadium on Friday. Their horrendous run of injuries appears to be abating and, although they have lost Paul King for Friday’s match, they are boosted by the return of first-choice prop Ewan Dowes after a five-match absence. The fifth-placed Bulls are going for a third successive win but they lost on their last visit to the KC Stadium last September and McNamara believes his old club are currently in a false position in the table. "I wouldn’t even look at the table as far as Hull are concerned," he said. "I think they are a superb side. "All their strike players – the ones who can post points on the board – are there for them. "For me the KC is the best stadium in the competition and, if Hull start strong and start playing well and their confidence comes back, then they are a tough side to beat." |
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2:24 PM Jul 11