Celtic impress as they tackle Catalans Academy

The first was the curtain raiser for the local Division Two play-off finals at the Stade Gaston Godail.

Catalans took a 6-0 lead but Walker gathered Halloran’s kick, Addy brought props Griffiths and Meese into the game and Batchelor charged through to score. Halloran converted.

Catalans landed a penalty but Maguire sent Lawrence between the posts. Halloran converted for a 12-8 lead.

Batchelor scored early in the second half and Halloran converted but two Dragons penalties then reduced the deficit.

Lawrence completed Celtic’s 22-12 win with the final try. MoM, chosen by Catalans, was Batchelor.

Celtic returned to Stade Gaston Godail to face a bigger and stronger Catalans team.

Celtic only had 15 fit players, meaning forwards Meese, Griffiths, Allott, Newsome, Batchelor, Taylor-Smith and Edwards had to work hard.

Edwards, Allott and Batchelor linked to send Stott in for the first try. Lawrence then used neat footwork to cross between the posts and Halloran’s goal made it 10-0 at the break.

Meese powered towards the line but had the ball knocked from his grasp and from the penalty Halloran sent Newsome over for another try.

Catalans replied with a converted try before good work by Walker, Griffiths, Allott, Meese, Edwards and Halloran put Nicholas in at the corner.

Celtic’s final try was a fine team effort, involving 11 players, and ended with Griffiths racing 20 metres to the posts, with Halloran’s goal sealing a 24-6 win. MoM, chosen by Catalans, was full-back Lawrence.

Dewsbury Celtic U17 players with Catalans Dragons head coach Trent Robinson. (NS)