A second-half fightback was not enough to save Catalans Dragons' Challenge Cup campaign as the club crashed out 32-26 to Hull Kingston Rovers in the quarter-finals this evening.
Hull took a 26-4 lead into the break, scoring four of their five tries in the first period, but were forced to work for their victory after the interval.
Ken Sio, Kieran Dixon, Albert Kelly, and Graeme Horne registered tries for the hosts in the first half hour, with Krisnan Inu going over for the Dragons to keep them in the game.
Tries from Zeb Taia, Inu and Ian Henderson early in the second half gave the Dragons hope of turning the game on its head, but Josh Mantellato's flawless conversion rate and a second try for Sio proved enough to keep them at bay and propel Hull into the last four.
The Challenge Cup quarter-finals continue on Friday as Hull FC take on Leeds Rhinos for the chance to join their city rivals in the next round.
Mark Langshaw
