Super League: Catalans Dragons 20-14 Hull FC

Co-captain Gregory Mounis scored a try before half-time that proved enough for Catalans

Catalans Dragons edged a spirited Hull FC to take a step closer to sealing a place in Super League's top eight.

Thomas Bosc, Tony Gigot and Gregory Mounis tries, converted by Scott Dureau were enough to keep Hull at bay.

The Black and Whites were denied a late Fetuli Talanoa try through obstruction after Jordan Rankin and Mark Minichello tries brought them within four points.

Victory puts Catalans above Hull, two points behind Castleford in fourth, with five games to go before the split.

On the back of five wins in six, Hull were dominant in the early stages but began to fade in the Perpignan heat before half-time against a side who have only passed up three points in 16 at home this season.

However after the break Lee Radford's side showed great heart and might have pinched the points had refereeing decisions gone their way.

The visitors went ahead when a sparkling up-the-middle break and offload by Joe Westerman put Rankin in for the opening score.

Fine footwork from Remi Casty and a smart pass to the supporting Bosc had Catalans level, and after Marc Sneyd kicked a penalty goal to push Hull ahead, Gigot swooped with an intercept try.

Mounis punished a ball strip from the Black and Whites on Elliott Whitehead to cross from Louis Anderson's pass and give Catalans a 10-point half-time lead.

The Dragons were struggling to make possession and field position count and were punished when Minichello notched the first points of the second half with a powerful drive.

Talanoa had a try chalked off with 10 minutes to play and Dureau's penalty goal was enough to see out the home side's success.

Hull FC head coach Lee Radford told BBC Radio Humberside:

"It's a long way to come to lose a game of rugby league but I can't fault the effort.

"There were some real performances by individuals, the focus for us during the week was our start and asking them questions physically which we did but we weren't clinical enough.

"We had enough opportunities to get that game in the first 20 to 30 minutes for sure. here were plenty of half chances where someone got free and we weren't direct enough.

"It's disappointing but we've got to recharge and get ready for Leeds next week."

Catalans: Escare; Cardace, Gigot, Pomeroy, Yaha; Bosc, Dureau; Bousquet, Henderson, Casty, Taia, Whitehead, Baitieri

Replacements: Anderson, Mounis, Pelissier, Garcia

Hull FC: Rankin; Talanoa, Sa, Yeaman, Michaels; Pryce, Sneyd; Paea, Houghton, Watts, Ellis, Minichiello, Westerman.

Replacements: Palea'aesina, Green, Thompson, Whiting

Referee: Ben Thaler (RFL)