Wakefield 18 Catalan Dragons 12: Kear relieved as Wakefield scramble into safety zone

It ought not to come as a surprise that Wakefield would be involved in the relegation battle in 2007, but after the Wildcats beat Warrington at the end of March, a top-six finish had looked a realistic prospect for John Kear's side.

Since then, however, Wakefield had managed only one draw and six defeats, and in the process sliding to second bottom of Super League. The victory over Les Catalans yesterday could ultimately prove to be the win that ensures that the Wildcats are playing elite-level rugby league next season.

After the match, Kear was visibly relieved that Wakefield had secured the win. "We could have played like a bunch of dogs so long as we won," he said. "We played pretty well which was even better."

The game started badly for Wakefield. A clever grubber kick from dummy-half by the hooker Luke Quigley was pounced on by John Wilson. In appalling conditions, Wakefield had plenty of possession in the first period, but the French side's defence was particularly impressive, including a couple of bone-shaking hits by Alex Chan.

After half an hour the Wildcats posted their first points when Jason Demetriou stepped around Wilson to score from 10 yards out. Moments later Wakefield went ahead for the first time.

The Catalans were attacking down their left wing when Demetriou knocked down an attempted pass by Thomas Bosc. The Wildcats winger Waine Pryce scooped up the loose ball and ran in unopposed.

Jamie Rooney failed with the conversion but made amends by scoring the second half's first try. Ben Jeffries with a perfectly delayed pass put Rooney into a gap to score his sixth try of the season. Rooney also added the extras.

Despite the torrential rain, the Catalans continued to try to play adventurous, attacking rugby league but all too often the slippery ball proved their downfall. Wakefield's line was finally broken by Wilson with nine minutes remaining.

The Dragons tried everything in their power to secure the victory in the closing moments, but a penalty with the final kick of the game by Rooney secured two vital Super League points for Wakefield.

Wakefield: Blaymire; Pryce, Demetriou, Atkins, White; Rooney, Jeffries; Bibey, March, Watene, MacGillivray, Golden, Ferres. Replacements: Catic, Elima, Leo-Latu, Moore.

Catalans: Greenshields; Murphy, Mogg, Wilson, Bosc; McGuire, Jones; Chan, Quigley, Guisset, Gossard, Touxagas, Mounis. Replacements: Griffi, Teixido, Fakir, A Bentley.

Referee: I Smith (Oldham).