Harlequins overcame a second-half Catalans fightback to register the first win of the engage Super League's ambitious Millennium Magic weekend in Cardiff.

With most of the estimated 30,000 crowd for the later derbies between the Hull and Hull KR and Wigan and St Helens yet to arrive, the Londoners edged out the Dragons in an eerie atmosphere.

Tries in the final quarter from Paul Sykes and Chad Randall, his second of the afternoon, settled a free-flowing match played under a closed roof.

Quins had led 18-12 at half-time but needed their strong finish after the French side hit back early in the second period.

Quins - who gave a debut to Luke Burgess despite the death of his father Mark, the former Hunslet player, this week - were on the scoreboard within four minutes.

Danny Orr set them on their way as he kicked over the Catalans defence and right wing Andy Smith slid over in the corner to touch down.

Jon Wells increased the lead with a try on the opposite wing just six minutes later after being found in acres of space by playmaker Scott Hill.

Rob Purdham converted both early scores to give the Londoners a healthy advantage but Catalans struck back with two tries in three minutes midway through the opening period.

Full-back Clint Greenshields grabbed the first after breaking through the line and recovering his footing following a stumble.

Quins were caught on the back foot again almost immediately as John Wilson burst through a gap on halfway and sent the supporting Stacey Jones away to score.

Thomas Bosc's conversions brought the French side level but they could not maintain the momentum and Quins got themselves back ahead through Randall.

Catalans slackened off in defence and the Quins hooker dummied to create a huge gap and dive under the posts for another try converted by Purdham.

Catalans were unbowed and responded to take the lead with two tries early in the second half.

Wilson first outjumped the Quins defence to bring down a high kick from Jones and the inspirational New Zealander then claimed his second - although it owed much to the pace of Justin Murphy.

Winger Murphy was the first to react after a kick from Harlequins' Lee Hopkins was blocked and he raced away to within inches of the line before being hauled down.

The ball was quickly worked out to Greenshields and then Jones, who jinked his way under the posts.

Catalans stepped up the pressure and further increased their advantage when Andrew Bentley crashed over from short range although, crucially, Bosc could not convert.

In keeping with the free-scoring nature of the game, Quins came back again and got back within four points after Mark McLinden stole the ball close to the Dragons line.

Play was switched to the right and Paul Sykes found plenty of room to touch down.

Sykes then turned provider with a quick shovel pass for Randall to claim his second, despite a hint it may have gone forward.

Purdham's conversions put Quins back ahead and the England captain added a penalty for good measure, his sixth goal, in the last minute.