Yaha doubles up as 12-man Catalans take French derby

Two tries from Fouad Yaha helped Catalans Dragons to victory over Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Super League’s first all-French derby, despite a second-half red card for Joe Chan.

Yaha's first-half double and another try from Chan put Catalans into the lead, with Toulouse's cause not being helped by Matty Russell being sent to the sin-bin. However, a converted try from Guy Armitage on the stroke of half-time cut the gap to eight points and gave the visitors hope.

Referee Robert Hicks was one of the busiest men on the field, handing out another yellow card to Eloi Pelissier soon after the restart and then dismissing interchange hooker Chan for a dangerous tackle soon after Matt Whitley had extended Catalans' lead.

Scotland international Russell's try soon after that sending-off gave Toulouse hope of mounting a fightback, but the promoted side were unable to overhaul the eight-point deficit as last year's Grand Final runners-up saw out the match for victory.

Both sides were clearly pumped up for the first meeting of two French teams in Super League's 27-year history, but it was all Catalans in the opening minutes. However, they were unable to capitalise on three repeat sets of six tackles as Toulouse weathered the early storm.

Yaha broke the deadlock in the seventh minute though after Josh Drinkwater picked him out on the left wing with a superb cut-out pass which sent the winger sprinting down the touchline from just inside the Dragons' half, followed by him throwing a dummy to deceive the defence and finishing.

Toulouse were not without opportunities as ex-Catalans half-back Tony Gigot's attacking kicks, particularly to Paul Marcon in the right corner, were testing without yielding reward, while Justin Sangare had a