Blanch hat-trick helps Catalans Dragons to victory over Wakefield Wildcats

Blanch winged in for his first try after four minutes before the experienced Steve Menzies twice crossed the line in the first half to see the hosts 18-6 up in Perpignan at half-time.

Ali Lauitiiti had kept Wakefield in the game with the visitors' first try of the match, converted by Paul Sykes.

But Dragons eased to victory and their dominance was confirmed when Clint Greenshields touched down on the resumption and Blanch went on to complete a memorable treble against his former side.

Kyle Trout bagged another try for Wakefield but it proved only a consolation on a hot day in the south of France.

Catalans: Greenshields; Blanch, Duport, Millard, Pala; Pryce, Dureau; Baitieri, Menzies, Paea, Ferriol, Henderson, Casty. Replacements: Fakir, Pelissier, Raguin, Mounis.

Wakefield: Mathers; Fox, Mellars, Sykes, Cockayne; John, Smith; Washbrook, Kirmond, Lauitiiti, Raleigh, Aiton, Amor. Replacements: Wood, Wilkes, Johnson, Trout.

See next week's Wakefield Express for full match report and reaction.