Saturday 18th August 2012, 17:45 - Round:25

Leeds Rhinos’ Carnegie Challenge Cup final build-up ended with a narrow defeat to Catalan Dragons in Perpignan.

Following on from Warrington Wolves’ heavy loss to London Broncos last night, it looked as though both Wembley-bound sides would be heading to the capital on the back of heavy defeats when Leeds trailed 18-0 and 32-12.

But a stunning turnaround ensured the game was only won in the dying seconds, despite the home side having held a 20-point lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Catalan opened up an early 18-point advantage with Setaimata Sa, Scott Dureau and Remi Casty all going over in the first quarter of the game.

Dureau converted all three efforts and added a penalty on 36 minutes after Leeds had held Eloi Pelissier down in the tackle.

That goal sandwiched two Leeds efforts; Shaun Lunt went over after good work by Kallum Watkins, who then kept the Rhinos in the hunt, crossing 20 seconds before the half-time hooter after an assist by Zak Hardaker.

Kevin Sinfield converted both tries to send the sides to the interval at 20-12.

After the break, Catalan turned the screw in the stifling heat as Leeds tinkered with their side, trying different players in different positions given their mini-injury crisis ahead of their Wembley showdown.

A smart break by Damien Blanch, supported by Clint Greenshields, gave the Dragons' field position before Sa's neat kick behind the Leeds defence was pounced on by Vincent Duport. Dureau converted to take the scores to 26-12.

Catalan captain Casty then scored his second of the night with a try to the left-hand side of the posts. Dureau again converted to give the hosts a 20-point lead on the hour.

Ryan Hall scored with 15 minutes to go and with the next set of possession, Leeds scored again through youngster Jimmy Keinhorst. Sinfield converted both to reduce the scores to 32-24.

With seven minutes remaining, Stevie Ward went on a dancing run across the front of the Catalan defence and sent the ball out to Hall, with the England winger picking it up and scoring in the same movement.

Sinfield missed the touchline conversion and Catalan won the game with a superb try. Blanch and Greenshields combined to give Dureau the platform to put in a measured kick in behind the Leeds defence and Daryl Millard touched down.

Dureau put the icing on the cake with his seventh goal from seven attempts.

There was just time for Leeds to send Catalan hearts racing with a try two minutes from time after Lunt's break but, while not worrying about the loss, Rhinos boss Brian McDermott will be concerned after prop Ryan Bailey was put on report a week out from the Warrington game.