The Catalans Dragons scored four quick tries to establish a 22-0 lead after 20 minutes, and that gap was always too much for Widnes Vikings to close, despite a weakened side showing plenty of fighting to pull the final score back to 32-16 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Willie Tonga grabbed the Dragons’ first and third touchdowns, with Eloi Pelissier grabbing the second and Matthias Pala the fourth, and at that stage things looked dire for the Vikings.
But they gradually began to claw their way back into the game, and scored their first try when Jack Owens touched down in the corner from a fine Tom Gilmore pass, although Owens couldn’t add the goal.
And when Stefan Marsh scored in the 48th minute, with Owens successful with the conversion this time, there were visions of a possible Widnes comeback.
But the Dragons re-established control with a second Pelissier try from dummy-half, goaled by Dureau after Thomas Bosc had landed three earlier conversions.
Damien Cardace then added a try when he touched down a Dureau kick for a 32-10 lead after 63 minutes.
And although Alex Gerrard pulled another try back for Widnes, goaled by Owens, the Vikings were never able to overcome their slow start in sunny and warm conditions.
