Sprinted Finish: Run Rabbit Run

The Gold Coast Titans have been defeated by the South Sydney Rabbitohs 31-8 in front of a poor and quiet 8,021 crowd, to deliver the hot-headed coach John Lang his 200th NRL win.

The Titans' ladder climbing pass has been revoked at ANZ Stadium, the Rabbitohs defeating the Queensland side in Scott Prince's 250th Match.

The match didn't start well for Prince, and that didn't change through the opening 40 minutes, as within the first minute, the 250-match man himself gave away the first penalty for committing too much in the tackle. From that it was consistent knock-ons from both sides, which ended in the 7th minute with a try being conceded. The Rabbitohs got moving downfield from the Titans' errors with a well placed kick from Chris Sandow finding the waiting arms of Dave Taylor who juggled the ball and got a quick outside pass to his winger in James Roberts for a simple try around soft defence. From the sideline the try was converted by Sandow.

It was a game of ends and errors with a total of 12 in the first half. The Titans didn't give themselves much hope with another Souths side try, from remarkable lead up work which started with Merritt, the ball went to ground and Sandow ran through, kicking into a Titans player. Play on was the call, and in the next play on the opposite side of the field, a simple play of the ball coming back close at the line for Eddy Pettybourne saw the Rabbitoh plant the ball down on the tryline for another four pointer.

In the 31st minute, from a penalty given against Scott Prince for being offside, the Rabbtiohs opted for the safe option: two points, extended the lead over the Titans to 14 points. Following that, Nathan Peats was placed on report in the 37th minute for pulling Ryan James' hair by referee Brett Suttor. However it wasn't the end of the bad night for James, as 2 minutes later there were terrible scenes as he was medi-cabbed from the field with what has been reported as a possible ACL tear. At halftime the South Sydney side held a 14 point lead over the Titans.

The second half started much like the opening 40 minutes with mistakes coming from both sides in the form of knock-ons and penalties until 17 minutes into the stanza, when the Titans finally crossed the line through David Mead. On view from the Video Referee, TRY benefit of the doubt was spun up. On the last tackle and their 2nd chance at the line, Scott Prince went to the open side with a high kick. Firstly going up for the ball was Joseph Tomane - he missed and then David Mead collected the bouncing ball for a try. Souths led 14-4 with a missed goal from Scott Prince.

They went on a charge mid second half and it seemed like a fight back however it was all in vain with a try being scored by the Titans in the 60th minute by Joseph Tomane. Another kick from Preston Campbell finding the mark as Tomane beat Souths' defence to score. Titans hitting back 14 points to 8 with another missed conversion.

After the Titans try, it became all South Sydney for the final 15 minutes, Chris Sandow opting for the 1 point with a field goal on 69 minutes. While Rabbitohs fans may have become disheartened, it didn't end like previous matches, as they went on to score a further unanswered 16 points. Before the raid of the Rabbitohs, in the 72nd minute, Clinton Toopi of the Titans was placed on report for using a forearm in the tackle.

To conclude, the first of the final three tries were scored by Nathan Merritt, with LeagueUnlimited.com Man of the Match Dave Taylor setting up Dylan Farrell who popped it back to Issac Luke before he basket balled it on the inside to the winger Merritt to extend Souths lead over the Titans to 21-8.

Only 3 minutes later off a penalty from the Titans being offside at the restart and Souths went back on the attack at the Titans line. Issac Luke put the foot down and as the Rabbitohs had been spreading it wide to score. He crashed over the line for his second time, Sandow missing his first goal of the night.

With the siren close to sounding two minutes before full time, the "Coal Train" himself was again in the action. Taylor in another strong run, Souths sprinting away with the win - James Roberts flirting with the sideline before he passed it back on the inside for Greg Inglis to streak away for the final try in the match.

They have been held from another win the Titans - the Rabbitohs have claimed a win at ANZ Stadium to bring their coach, John Lang's winning matches in the NRL up to 200. All done tonight, they defeated the opposition 31 points to 8.

Match Details
South Sydney Rabbitohs 31 defeated Gold Coast Titans 8
National Rugby League - Round 15 - Friday June 17, 2011 7:30pm
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Referee: Jason Robinson and Brett Suttor
Video Referee: Pat Reynolds
Touch Judges: Steve Carrall and Henry Perenara
Crowd: 8,021
Halftime: South Sydney Rabbitohs 14 Gold Coast Titans 0

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Dave Taylor
2 Points - Chris Sandow (4 Conversions, 1 Penalty Goal, 1 Field Goal)
1 Point - Issac Luke (1 Try)

South Sydney Rabbitohs (31)
Tries: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Issac Luke, Eddy Pettybourne, James Roberts
Field Goals: Chris Sandow (1/1)
Conversions: Chris Sandow (4/5)
Penalty Goals: Chris Sandow (1/1)

Gold Coast Titans (8)
Tries: Joseph Tomane, David Mead
Conversions: Scott Prince (0/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary 1 min: Here we go, LIVE FROM ANZ Stadium. This will be a good clash. Rabbitohs have the ball first with the Titans defending inside the 30mt line.
1 min: PENALTY: Scott Prince for having too much in the tackle. Rabbitohs have the ball from inside their own half.
2 min: Double knock the call from the referee. Scrum feed to the South side only 10mts from the line.
3 min: Another knock on for Souths. The titans under pressure early, however the Souths side making to mistakes in the second set. Scrum feed for the Titans on their only 10m line.
4 min: Not the best set from the Titans, Preston Campbell may of knocked on in the set however not ruled on. They got to their kick as Souths are on the attack on their own 20mt line.
4 min: Souths making it to half way as John Sutton getting to the kick from a controlled set inside their own half. David Mead brings it out for the Titans.
5 min: Matt Srama kicking away with a poor kick straight down the throat of the souths outside backs. Fairly end to end stuff here. Souths have had opportunities early in this match.
6 min: TRY
TRY! A better set from the Rabbitohs and they got moving down field. A well placed kick from Chris Sandow found the awaiting arms of Dave Taylor who juggled the ball and he got a quick outside pass to his winger in James Roberts for a simple try around soft defence. From the sideline the try was converted.
Gold Coast Titans 6-0
9 min: From the try, the complete their set, Chris Sandow getting a kick away for the sideline to have a rest for both sides. Scrum feed to the Titans on their 30 metre line.
10 min: Preston Campbell with a massive kick, going high into the air. It came down in the end comfortably for Rhys Wesser in his 10m zone.
11 min: Another penalty against the Titans. Luke Bailey the offender for committing too much in the tackle. Souths attacking inside the Titans half.
12 min: Rabbitohs making some good metres in that set, however on the 4th tackle and intercept ending badly for the Titans. Chris Sandow chasing Steve Michaels who was running away for the Titans. As a result a scrum will pack down for Souths on the Titans 40m line.
13 min: James Roberts going close to the corner post in an attempt to find a hole, however Titans showing some good defence on the line in that set. David Mead throwing him into touch. Another scrum feed to the Titans, inside their own 10m.
14 min: Titans completing their set with a high kick from Scott Prince. Sandow collects the ball on their own goal line.
15 min: Another set completed from the Souths side. Titans attack ont their own 30m line. The intensity is missing in this match. Lacking in crowd at ANZ Stadium, very quiet.
16 min: Only the second penalty given away from the Rabbitohs. The Titans have there best set to hit back with some points, attacking inside the 20m zone of the South Sydney side.
17 min: Scott Prince and Preston Campbell linking together to try and create something however the Titans hooker, Matt Srama knocking on the ball close to the line. Rabbitohs with the scrum feed.
18 min: Knock on firstly from the souths side, and the titans collected the mess however the first tackle in the set. Penalty to the Souths for Titans walking off the mark. Penalty Count up to 3-1 in favour of the red and green.
19 min: 20 metre tap for the Titans. Chris Sandow going with a cross field kick into the goals, it was collected on the full and the tap taken.
20 min: 3rd tackle for the Titans and they try and push the ball to get around the Souths line, but put to ground, play on the call on halfway
21 min: At the completion of the set, Scott Prince kicking on the last, and his kick had too much on it as it rolled dead for a Souths 20m tap.
21 min: Interesting set of play for the Souths side. Nathan Merritt going for a run before passing inside, again another pass. Coming in the end down to Farrell off a forward pass I think.
22 min: Video Referee for Souths. Decision pending.
22 min: TRY
From remarkable lead up work which started with Merritt, the ball when to ground and Sandow running through and kicking into a Titans player. Play on the call. In the next play on the opposite side of the field, a simple play of the ball coming back close at the line for Eddy Pettybourne to plant the ball down on the tryline for another Souths four pointer.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-0
24 min: Injury News: Michael Henderson for the Titans has gone up the tunnel from an early head clash.
25 min: Souths have been on top in the opening 25 minutes, has they lead by 2 tries. They have had most of the ball. As I say that, penalty goes to the Titans for Dave Taylor not being square at the play of the ball. Titans on the attack on the Souths 30m line.
26 min: They didn't really put the Souths side under great pressure the Titans. On the last play Prince placing the kick into the goals for a Drop out.
27 min: A big goal line drop out from Souths as it travelled 55 metres. Titans allowing it to bounce giving the Rabbitohs heaps of time to chase up to the line.
28 min: Penalty goes to the Titans for a supposed High Tackle from Dave Taylor, however it didn't seem line one. They attack 10 metres from the line.
28 min: Luke Baliey getting some attention from the trainer, from a little contact from two souths player.
28 min: Preston Campbell going sideways across the compressed defensive line of the Rabbitohs. However at the end of the set the ball travelling forward off Campbell, Scrum feed to the Souths side.
30 min: Rhys Wesser going for a beautiful run off the scrum feed. He went for a massive 60m gallop. Titans under pressure at the line.
30 min: Penalty to Souths at the goal line of the Titans. Scott Prince offside by 5 metres. Souths taking to the penalty goal from in front of the posts.
31 min: PENALTY GOAL
From the penalty given from Scott Prince for being offside. the Rabbtiohs opting for the safer points. He added the extras and now the score flatters the Titans at 14 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-0
32 min: Titans looking off their feet in this half, as John Sutton goes for a run almost getting a line break.
33 min: End of the set for the Rabbitohs, getting to the kick and the Titans losing ground as they went running sideways only 15mts from their line .
34 min: Ryan James on the field for the Titans as results running strong, however Nathan Peats was trying hold him back by the hair to stop him.
35 min: High kick from the Rabbitohs going close to the Titans line, and they work it away from the line. Injury update and Michael Henderson for the Titans has come back from the dressing rooms as he is back on the bench and is expected to be back on the park soon.
36 min: As Rabbitohs getting the 20 metre tap, Nathan Peats has been placed on report for pulling Ryan James' hair by Brett Suttor.
37 min: Titans collecting the kick, from the Souths side as William Zilliam goes for a gallop from his own line.
37 min: Better running from the Titans with David Mead making it to halfway. With a shocking pass back on the inside on the last tackle.
38 min: Chris Sandow missing the swinging arm of Toopi, he collected the poor last kick from the Titans as they attack inside their own half.
39 min: Completion Rates: Souths 16/20 Titans 11/16
39 min: Time off here: Ryan James has it seems hyper-extended his knee. On replay not a pretty sight. He is down being assisted by the medical staff.
39 min: Not a good sign for Ryan James as the MediCab has come onto the field to take him from the field. He hasn't moved at this stage, and he is great agony.
39 min: As a result Ryan James has been driven off the field. It could be a season ender for the young gun. However the Titans go back on the attack on the 3rd tackle on their 40m line.
39 min: Just before the siren, Rhys Wesser going for a run into the Titans defence line. But knocking on as he went to ground.
40 min: HALFTIME: South Sydney Rabbitohs are on top at the break leading the Gold Coast Titans 14 points to NIL after lack-luster first 40 minutes. Half time wrap shortly.
Both sides running out onto ANZ Stadium for the second half. Kick off moments away.
41 min: Kick off for the second half as the Titans have first use of the ball from the Souths kicking off.
41 min: The kick from the Titans finding the arms of James Roberts for the Souths side.
41 min: A questionable high shot from Zillman on Chris Sandow, penalty going to the Souths side as they attack now through Pettybourne.
42 min: Some better goal line defence from the Titans as Chris Sandow coming close himself before he kicked high on the last. William Zillman saving the day and collecting the ball inside the field of play.
43 min: Toopi losing the ball for the Titans early in the set which gives the Rabbitohs a chance from a scrum feed.
43 min: From the scrum base Issac Luke going for a run through the Titans line looking for a try. However knock on the call, back to the scrum feed for the Titans.
45 min: From a penalty to the Titans, another error from Ashley Harrison, Greg Inglis collecting the mess and now Souths are back on the attack inside the Titans half.
45 min: Souths not making the most of the field position in thats set, Luke pushing the pass wide but Pettybourne missing the ball, Titans with the scrum feed.
46 min: All of the good work underdone from Toopi who stepped and when for a great 60m run but wrapped up however losing the ball in the tackle as he went to ground. Another scrum feed to the Souths side on their own 30m line.
49 min: Rhys Wesser in the action again on the last play with a kick from Chris Sandow. Zillman for the Titans watches it go dead. Scrum to pack down for the Gold Coast on their own 10m line.
50 min: Some good defence from the Rabbitohs, as they hold the Titans inside the 30m zone.
51 min: He has been good tonight, however Wesser trying to catch the ball on the full, however knock on the ruling and from the 20 metre line the Titans get the scrum feed. This is their best chance in the second half.
52 min: Penalty against the Souths for second mark not being square.
53 min: Titans looking confused at the goal line, not sure what to do as they try and feed the attack with Scott Prince, very predictable stuff for the souths defence.
53 min: Titans not completing the set well, with a low grubber kick. Souths obtain the advantage inside their 20m line.
54 min: Penalty Titans for a high shot from Greg Inglis on William Zillman. Titans have another chance at the line as they have the penalty inside the 30m line of the Souths line.
56 min: Video Referee Decision for the first try for the Gold Coast, possible try for David Mead.
56 min: TRY
Video Referee says TRY Benefit of the Doubt! On the last tackle and their 2nd chance at the line, and Scott Prince going to the open side with a high kick. Firstly going up for the ball was Joseph Tomane he missed and then David Mead collected the bouncing ball for a try. Souths out on their feed at the goal line.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-4
57 min: Another mistake from the Titans hands possession back to the Souths.
59 min: Video Referee Decision Pending, possible try from James Roberts. Dave Taylor going for a break.
59 min: NO TRY! James Roberts has gone into touch as he head for the corner. IN that place Dave Taylor put a step on Preston Campbell to get the pass to Roberts but no points coming. 20 metre tap for Titans.
60 min: Strong running from the Titans making it to the 30m line. and looks like they might score on the last.
60 min: TRY
On the last play for the Titans and in a set they needed to score, and with Preston Campbell going high to the air and falling down to the uprights. David Mead popping the pass back over the back to his winger in Joseph Tomane who managed to get around the blanket defence of the Rabbitohs. Easy play in the end. Another goal missed by Prince. No goal.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-8
63 min: Penalty to Souths, Clinton Toopi the offender for the Titans. The tackle high against Chris McQueen who now is bleeding from the mouth. They attack inside the Titans half.
64 min: William Zillman performing well tonight has saved a try chasing Wesser who knocked on as he well to ground.
65 min: The big men of the Souths pack, Inglis and Taylor forcing the error in the tackle. Scrum packs to Souths on the Titans 40 metre line.
66 min: John Sutton trying to get the reserve kick away, not pulling it off in any manner to present the advantage. Titans with the ball as a result.
67 min: Dave Taylor has shown his strength in the second half with another good charge over halfway for Souths.
68 min: FIELD GOAL
An interesting tactic, with Chris Sandow with 11 minutes to play, on the last play a long ball back to the player marker in Sandow. Field Goal the call from him. Souths add the 1.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 15-8
70 min: Good defence from the Souths side to hold out the Titans for the 5 tackles. A long cross field kick from Scott Prince not helping the Titans as it fell with Greg Inglis.
71 min: John Sutton may of pressed the self-destruct button already, as he has kicked it out on the full. Titans attacking inside the Souths 30m.
72 min: Another error costing the Titans the game you would think. Matt Srama knocking on in the tackle. Scrum feed to the Rabbitohs. on the 30m line. We have an enquire from the Video Referee on something...checking.
71 min: Another error costing the Titans the game you would think. Matt Srama knocking on in the tackle. Scrum feed to the Rabbitohs. on the 30m line. We have an enquire from the Video Referee on something...checking.
72 min: ON REPORT! Clinton Toopi placed on report for using a forearm in a tackle. no penalty given.
73 min: TRY
TRY! In his first try against the Titans Nathan Merrit scoring as, Dave Taylor setting up Dylan Farrell who popped it back to Issac Luke before he basket balled it on the inside to the Winger Merritt to extend Souths lead over the Titans.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 21-8
75 min: Penalty to the Souths for the Titans being offside at the kick restart. They attack now just before the 30 metres from the line.
76 min: TRY
TRY! From the Penalty, Souths went back on the attack at the Titans line. Issac Luke put the foot down and as the Rabbitohs have been spreading it wide to score. He crashed over the line for his second time. Sandow missing his first goal tonight.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 25-8
78 min: TRY
TRY! Dave Taylor in another strong run into the Titans line. The Souths have sprinted away with the win now. James Roberts flirting with the sideline before he passed it back on the inside for Greg Inglis to streak away for the final try in the match.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 31-8
80 min: FULL TIME: They have been held from another win the Titans. The South Sydney Rabbitohs have claimed a win at ANZ Stadium to bring their coach, John Lang's winning matches in the NRL up to 200. All done tonight, they defeated the opposition 31 points to 8. Match Report soon.