Match Report – Catalans 18 – 10 Toulouse

France international Fouad Yaha crossed twice, with Joe Chan and Matt Whitley also going over as Catalans won the first all-French Betfred Super League derby; Chan was sent off, while Toulouse had two men sin-binned; Guy Armitage and Matty Russell grabbed the visitors’ tries

Fouad Yaha ran in two tries for Catalans against Toulouse

Two tries from Fouad Yaha helped Catalans Dragons to victory over Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Super League’s first all-French derby, despite a second-half red card for Joe Chan.

Yaha’s first-half double and another try from Chan put Catalans into the lead, with Toulouse’s cause not being helped by Matty Russell being sent to the sin-bin. However, a converted try from Guy Armitage on the stroke of half-time cut the gap to eight points and gave the visitors hope.

Referee Robert Hicks was one of the busiest men on the field, handing out another yellow card to Eloi Pelissier soon after the restart and then dismissing interchange hooker Chan for a dangerous tackle soon after Matt Whitley had extended Catalans’ lead.

Scotland international Russell’s try soon after that sending-off gave Toulouse hope of mounting a fightback, but the promoted side were unable to overhaul the eight-point deficit as last year’s Grand Final runners-up saw out the match for victory.

More to follow…