Saints retain Challenge Cup

Daniel Anderson's men, who add the retention of this title to the Super League and World Club Challenge crowns that already adorn their trophy cabinet, had been held for 32 minutes by the Perpignan-based side, who were making their first final appearance.

Ultimately, though, the experience of the Saints side shone through and they notched up five tries, although it was Ade Gardner's touchdown just before the interval that proved to be decisive.

With 84,241 watching at the sun-drenched stadium, Mick Potter's men held their own for the majority of the first period, with James Roby and Younes Khattabi trading tries before Gardner touched down from Matt Gidley's pass.

Although the Dragons far from disgraced themselves, they were guilty of too many crucial errors - especially from full-back Clint Greenshields.

He prevented tries from Leon Pryce and Gidley but could have done more to prevent Roby and Gardner crossing.

A Paul Wellens try all but ended the Catalans' hopes shortly after the interval before Paul Clough and Justin Murphy swapped scores, with the latter no more than Catalans deserved for their industry.

But in true keeping with their flamboyant style, St Helens had the last word with Gardner finishing off a flowing move that involved Sean Long, Pryce and Wellens.

Long converted to finish with five goals from six attempts.