Catalans Dragons opened their Super League account with dramatic 13-12 win over Castleford Tigers.
Cas, who lost their local derby with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats last weekend, made a bright start in Perpignan and were awarded for their industry when Luke Gale cross-field kick was taken by Justin Carney on the run and the winger touched down for his 47th try in 46 games.
The hosts, who themselves were beaten by defending champions St Helens last time out, thought that they scored soon after when forward Zeb Taia bulldozed his way to the in-goal area, but as he touched down, the video referee adjudged that the Dragons player was held up.
A fiery encounter reached boiling point late in first half then Olivier Elima and Eloi Pelissier were yellow carded and Cas's Jake Webster was also sin-binned following a 26-man melee.
The video ref was called into action twice when Denny Solomona collected a kick off, which didn't go the full 10 metres and then overturned Scott Dureau inception score when the Catalans back put a foot in touch.
The Dragons wouldn't be denied by the TMO and got back on level terms when full back Morgan Escare scored early in the second period, to the delight of the majority inside the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
After Dureau stroked another penalty between the posts, Catalans opened up a six-point lead when Elliott Whitehead went over the whitewash with 15 minutes remaining.
The home side had opportunities to seal victory before Jordan Tansey's converted brought the Tigers back on terms.
However, Dureau restored Catalans lead with a late drop goal, which gave the hosts their maiden victory of the 2015 season.
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