Challenge Cup: Huddersfield Giants 6-20 Catalans Dragons

Josh Drinkwater was flawless from the tee for Catalans, who have now won six times in seven games

Catalans Dragons battled past Huddersfield Giants to reach the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.

In a game low on quality, second-half tries from David Mead and Greg Bird and 12 points from Josh Drinkwater's boot put the French side through.

Trailing 4-0 at half-time, Huddersfield briefly took the lead when Leroy Cudjoe crossed shortly after the break.

But that was as good as it got for the Giants as Mead capitalised on a handling error and Bird bundled over.

Catalans are now 80 minutes away from a first final since 2007, when they were defeated by 12-time champions St Helens.

• Relive Catalans' victory at Huddersfield

Steve McNamara's in-form side were good value for their victory at the John Smith's Stadium, putting in a fine defensive display.

Huddersfield were often woeful in attack and Darnell McIntosh's drop on the try-line to let Mead in summed up their night.

The draw for August's semi-finals will take place on Sunday.

Huddersfield: Rankin, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Mamo, McIntosh, Turner, Brough, Ikahihifo, O'Brien, Clough, Murphy, Mellor, Hinchcliffe.

Replacements: Leeming, Smith, English, Roberts.

Catalans: Gigot, Broughton, Mead, Wiliame, Tierney, Bird, Drinkwater, Simon, McIlorum, Moa, Jullien, Garcia, Casty.

Replacements: Bousquet, Maria, Anderson, Edwards.

Referee: Gareth Hewer