A DEFENSIVE masterclass from Warrington Wolves saw them become the first side to beat Catalans Dragons in Perpignan in Super League this season.

Despite spending most of the first half on the back foot, The Wire superbly held out their hosts in a try-less opening 40, with Josh Thewlis and Arthur Mourgue swapping penalties.

However, George Williams' try in the early stages of the second half edged The Wire into a crucial lead that they never let go of.

After Thewlis extended it with a penalty goal, Matty Ashton crossed to effectively put the game out of Catalans' reach.

Tom Davies' try threatened to set up a nervy finish, but another Thewlis penalty in the closing seconds ensured there would be no comeback.

Warrington Guardian: George Williams is congratulated following his tryGeorge Williams is congratulated following his try (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)

Catalans 8 Warrington 16 - post-match reaction

> THE FINAL WORD: An emphatic shunning of pre-Wembley self-preservation

> FAN PANEL: 'I thought I was back in 2010/11/12'

> STAT ATTACK: The extent of Warrington's herculean defensive effort

> THE MORNING AFTER: Unpacking a Wire win for the ages

> Everything Sam Burgess said after Wire's epic victory in Perpignan

> WIRE SOCIAL: 'One of the best Super League victories in a few years'

> Re-live the action from the Stade Gilbert Brutus as it happened

> FAN GALLERY: Warrington Wolves fans descend on Perpignan

Match facts:

Super League, Round 12

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Catalans Dragons...8 Warrington Wolves...16

Dragons: Arthur Mourgue; Tom Davies, Arthur Romano, Matt Ikuvalu, Tom Johnstone; Jordan Abdull, Theo Fages; Romain Navarrete, Alrix Da Costa, Julian Bousquet, Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Benjamin Garcia. Subs: Jayden Nikorima, Paul Seguier, Chris Satae, Jordan Dezaria. 18th man: Franck Maria

Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Toby King, Matty Ashton; George Williams, Josh Drinkwater; James Harrison, Danny Walker, Paul Vaughan, Matty Nicholson, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie. Subs: Joe Philbin, Zane Musgrove, Sam Powell. Not used: Max Wood. 18th man: Stefan Ratchford

Scoring: Thewlis penalty, 19mins, 0-2; Mourgue penalty, 32mins, 2-2; Williams try, 44mins, Thewlis goal, 2-8; Thewlis penalty, 54mins, 2-10; Ashton try, 70mins, 2-14; Davies try, 75mins, Mourgue goal, 8-14; Thewlis penalty, 80mins, 8-16

Penalties: Dragons 4 Wolves 4

Sin bin: Davies (18mins, professional foul), Fitzgibbon (31mins, high tackle)

Referee: Chris Kendall

Attendance: TBC

Warrington Guardian: The jubilant travelling fans celebrate at full timeThe jubilant travelling fans celebrate at full time (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)