Super League: Catalans Dragons 34-4 Hull Kingston Rovers - French side stay in play-off race

Israel Folau and Joel Tomkins were both try scorers in Catalans' win over Hull KR

Catalans Dragons maintained their push for a Super League play-off place with a straightforward 34-4 win over Hull Kingston Rovers in Perpignan.

The French side had the game won by the break as Joel Tomkins' first-half hat-trick against his former club and a Tom Davies try gave them a 22-0 lead.

Israel Folau and Davies ran in further tries for Catalans, who climb to third after Warrington's defeat by Wigan.

Harvey Livett scored a consolation try for Rovers, who were well beaten.

Like bottom side Wakefield, Tony Smith's Robins have only won twice in the league this season but will hope to build some momentum for 2021 in their closing seven fixtures.

However, Catalans, who were again backed by a reduced crowd of 5,000 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, have plenty to play for as they challenge leaders St Helens and Wigan, Leeds and Warrington for a top-four finish.

Like Leeds, they have won eight of their 12 games for a win percentage of 66.67% but boast a points difference 80 better than the Rhinos to climb above them in the table, while Warrington, who started the day in second, drop to fifth after being beaten by the Warriors.

It took the Dragons until midway through the first half to open the scoring when Josh Drinkwater, who was an injury doubt against his former club, kicked through and Tomkins touched down.

The former England rugby union international crashed over again soon after, before capitalising on a Rovers handling error near their own line to complete his hat-trick with an easy finish.

The second half was lit up by a brilliant break by Sam Tomkins from deep inside his own half which ended with Folau wriggling his way over.

And after Livett got Rovers on the scoreboard, Sam Tomkins and Folau combined to tee up Davies to complete the scoring and seal Catalans' third successive win.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara:

"We scored some nice tries but I don't think we were quite at our best tonight, we're still a little bit off but it was good to get our third victory in the space of a week or so and to not concede tries is so important for us.

"I thought we had to work really hard for it again, just like last week. For the first 20 minutes, Hull KR played really well. I lost count of the number of times they stopped us either over the try line or just about to score.

"We found some rhythm and intent in our attack and defence but Hull KR are a difficult team to play against. They take more risks on attack and that can throw your defence out.

"But for the most part of the game we dealt with what was in front of us so I'm pleased with that."

Hull KR coach Tony Smith:

"We were way off. We did OK for 20 minutes and challenged them a couple of times.

"I can't criticise our spirit, we work hard but discipline was a real problem - we were 7-1 down on penalties at half-time and it's difficult to win games like that.

"We'll be home at 1am. I just said to that team that I need eight, nine or 10 who are physically and mentally able to take on the challenge of our next game which is Salford on Tuesday. I will add them to some fresh bodies back home.

"We'll go out with spirit and motivation on Tuesday. The boys don't lack motivation, we're just not good enough at the moment. I've got every faith in them though."

Catalans Dragons: S. Tomkins, Davies, Folau, Langi, Mead, Maloney, Drinkwater, Casty, McIlorum, Moa, Jullien, J. Tomkins, Garcia.

Interchanges: Bousquet, Goudemand, Baitieri, Kasiano.

Hull KR: Crooks, Tate, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Rawsthorne, Abdull, Milnes, Hauraki, Parcell, Garbutt, Peteru, Storton, Lawler.

Interchanges: Livett, Trout, Gee, King.

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