Two tries each from Leslie Vainikolo and Marcus St Hilaire helped Bradford record their third win over the Dragons but this was no stroll in the park and the Bulls never looked likely to put 50 points past the Frenchman for the third time this season.

Vainikolo returned after a two-match absence and as well as his scoring, provided some of the big hits of the night to get the Bulls fans on their feet.

The Dragons started brightly and their early pressure paid off when prop Alex Chen powered over from close range.

Bradford took a while to recover but three quick penalties created good field position and a looping pass from Michael Withers created the opening for Marcus St Hilaire to race over.

Just as Bradford looked set to get on top, the French side struck again, winger Bruno Verges stealing the ball from Withers and racing over from 35 yards.

Catalans could have stretched their lead further

but Mark Hughes was just unable to take Stacey Jones' precise chip.

Instead it was the Bulls who went in front, Brett Ferres touching down after more French indiscipline had given Bradford a good position.

The Jones-Hughes combination tried again and this time the centre took the ball but the Bulls managed to turn him on his back before he could ground the ball.

And it looked as though Bradford would finally get on top just before half-time when Iestyn Harris cut out four men with a long pass to Vainikolo who made no mistake from 10 yards. Paul Deacon added his third successful kick to give the home side an 18-10 lead.

But Catalans came out firing in the second half and pulled within two points when Greg Mounis stretched out and just managed to touch down near the posts, allowing Jones to put over his second successful kick

Another trademark Harris long pass put St Hilaire in for his second try and as Bradford increased the pace, Jamie Langley came close to scoring and Iestyn Harris was just an inch away.

Deacon landed a long-range penalty to put Bulls 24-16 in front and Vainikolo finished off a good passing move to touch down for the second time.