Titans roll Tigers in the twilight

The Gold Coast Titans have tonight broken their big losing streak with a less-than-convincing victory over the Wests Tigers 30-14 tonight at Gold Coast Stadium.

The Titans really wrapped the game up in the first half, powering out to a 14-0 lead early before the Tigers could hit back. That was done through Taniela Tuiaki, in one of the most powerful runs seen in a long time. At 14-6 it appeared for a short while the Tigers would come back and run over the Titans but the home side held out and piled on two quick tries as the halftime siren approached and the boys from the Coast, through tries to Delaney and Lewis, managed to push the lead to 18 points at the break.

The second half saw the Tigers come out firing but only crossing once, and the scoreline remained 24-10 for a significant period before the third try for the visitors was scored, and a true comeback seemed apparent. The Titans, on the back of a pretty woeful second half in attack, somehow managed to hold out and managed to nab another try late in the game to former Tiger Anthony Laffranchi.

The win for the Titans sees them stay in the finals race, while maintaining a 2/2 record against the Wests Tigers. They face the Warriors in Auckland next week - a daunting task by any measure. Meanwhile, the Tigers will be hoping to recall Brett Hodgson when they host the resurgent Sydney Roosters at Telstra Stadium next Friday.

Match Details Round 21 :: August 4th, 2007 05:30 PM Venue: Gold Coast Stadium Referee: Steve Clark Half time: Titans 24-6

Gold Coast Titans 30 Tries: Gavin Cooper, Jake Webster, Brett Delaney, Josh Lewis, Anthony Laffranchi Goals: Brett Delaney (5/6) Wests Tigers 14 Tries: Taniela Tuiaki (2), Chris Lawrence Goals: Benji Marshall (1/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Luke Bailey (Titans) 2 Points: Taniela Tuiaki (Tigers) 1 Point: Scott Prince (Titans)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to Carrara where the Titans are hosting the Tigers.

A few changes for each side, fullbacks Chris Walker (GCT) and Brett Hodgson (WST) both ruled out through injury. Shannon Gallant (WST) will replace Hodgson, while centre Paul Whatuira is also out, Jarrod Saffy stepping up to take a spot in the lineup. The Titans have bought Clint Amos onto the bench amongst a shuffle up to accommodate the aforementioned loss of Walker.

Teams on-field... ready to go.

0 min: Kickoff by Benji Marshall, Titans first possession.

3 min: Titans manage the first penalty of the game and it puts them in excellent attacking position.

5 min: VIDEO REFEREE - Possible Titans try... Scott Prince has kicked it high, it's hit the post and Gavin Cooper's collected it and scored! Checking for onside... Decision Pending.... TRY!

6 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans A brilliant try for Gavin Cooper, a lucky bounce off the goalposts from a Scott Prince kick and the Titans steal the lead early, a good start from the home side. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 6-0

10 min: Titans controlling things early on but only the one try so far. Tigers seem to be defending well.

13 min: VIDEO REFEREE - Another possible Titans try this time to Jake Webster, a great kick through from Josh Lewis and Webster wins the race. Decision pending... TRY!

14 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans A great little kick from Josh Lewis gives Jake Webster a nice little try to put the Titans up by 12 points in the early stages of this match. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 12-0

24 min: PENALTY GOAL Gold Coast Titans The Titans really keeping their composure so far. The Tigers so far offering little in comparison and the Gold Coast really controlling possession. A penalty extends their lead to 14. Gold Coast Titans 14-0

31 min: TRY Wests Tigers Tigers on the board after Taniela Tuiaki capitalises on a Anthony Laffranchi error and Tuiaki streaks away to put it down over the line. Conversion attempt by Benji Marshall successful. Gold Coast Titans 14-6

35 min: The Tigers have turned things around a little now, a bit more possession and plenty more vigour in both attack and defence. The Titans need to hold solid before the break or the Tigers will run roughshod.

37 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans The Titans capitalise on a Tigers error this time, work it upfield and Brett Delaney adds to his points tally with a four-pointer. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney unsuccessful. Gold Coast Titans 18-6

39 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Right on the break the Titans are carving it up and the Tigers who earlier looked ready to fight back seem to have fallen apart. Josh Lewis is on the end of a long range try. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 24-6

HALFTIME Gold Coast Titans 24 Wests Tigers 6 The Titans dominating here at Carrara with the Tigers lost for answers in the most part. Campbell and Prince are both playing well and the Titans forwards are making good impact. The Tigers' Marshall and Tuiaki are putting on a good show but it's not enough so far. Tigers must score first in the second stanza for this game to go their way.

41 min: Second half is underway, can the Tigers claw back?

43 min: VIDEO REFEREE possible Tigers try, a double for Taniela Tuiaki. Decision Pending...

44 min: TRY Wests Tigers A crazy piece of play sees Taniela Tuiaki get a double after one of his teammates managed to steal the pill from the Titans. Conversion attempt by Benji Marshall unsuccessful. Gold Coast Titans 24-10

49 min: Tigers dominating this half so far but only four points to show for it. The Titans remain convincing leaders but just a try from the visitors could change all that.

51 min: Tigers commit an error in their own half, the Titans now heavily on the attack, plus a penalty.

52 min: INJURY Prince looking drowsy after a supposed high shot by Ben Te'o. UPDATE Scott Prince (GCT) is up and running. Titans with another set from a further penalty.

53 min: From the kick return Lawrence drops it again and it's another six for the Titans!

60 min: The Titans with a good last tackle option but the kick just too deep as the Tigers get out of gaol again. The Tigers need to mount some pressure as soon as possible.

CROWD: 17,257

65 min: TRY Wests Tigers Chris Lawrence is in for the visitors and this game is certainly not over yet. His 14th try in as many games and this young gun is on fire. Ten points the difference now with just 15 remaining. Conversion attempt by Benji Marshall unsuccessful. Gold Coast Titans 24-14

71 min: The Titans just trying to slow and shut down the game and it seems to be working so far. Can they hold on?

76 min: Titans continue to hold on in what's really been a pretty lacklustre second half and barring a miracle we'll see a Titans victory here.

79 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans The Titans cap off the night with a neat try to Laffranchi to score late. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 30-14

FULLTIME Gold Coast Titans 30 Wests Tigers 14 The Titans have run out rather unconvincing victors this evening at Gold Coast Stadium, putting a resurgent Tigers back in their place.