St Helens survived the dismissal of back-rower Morgan Knowles to beat Catalans Dragons in Perpignan and make it two wins from two in Super League.
Saints established a first-half lead with tries by Jonny Lomax and Regan Grace, as Catalans went in scoreless.
David Mead’s score reduced the deficit before Knowles was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Thibaud Margalet.
Adam Swift added a third Saints try and Danny Richardson took his points tally to nine before Alrix Da Costa’s reply.
Having dismantled last season’s stand-out performers Castleford Tigers last week, Saints came through another tough examination of their championship aspirations with this victory on a traditionally difficult trip – which appeared even more tricky after Knowles’ exit.
It took them less than a minute for playmakers Ben Barba and Lomax to combine for the opener, setting a tone for the rest of the game as the duo and Richardson caused no end of problems.
Catalans showed character in defeat, keeping pace with the Saints for large periods but this loss means Steve McNamara’s side remain winless from their first two fixtures.
source: www.bbc.co.uk