Titans thrash Eels in Gold Coast clash

Round 7 - Full Time Gold Coast Titans 38 - Parramatta Eels 12

The Gold Coast Titans have totally dominated a lacklustre Parramatta Eels with a convincing 38-12 victory at a packed Carrara Stadium today.

With half back Scott Prince calling the shots, the Titans posted points early and then race away to 22-0 lead at half time.

The Gold Coast went further ahead after the break and after 54 minutes of play, led 32-0 and looked set to go on with it.

A brief resurgence fom the Eels stemmed the tide with Nathan Hindmarsh and PJ Marsh posting four-pointers in the latter quarter.

But the Titans had the final say with centre Mat Rogers capping off a fine display with a try of his own in the dying stages of the match.

The Titans next take on the North Queensland Cowboys on Monday week (7th May, public holiday) in what promises to be another packed house on the Gold Coast.

The Eels will be looking to redeem themselves next Saturday when they take on the Sydney Roosters at Parramatta Stadium.

Round 7 - Full Time :: April 29th, 2007 03:00 PM Venue: Gold Coast Stadium Crowd: 18,021 Referee: Tony Archer

Gold Coast Titans 38 Tries: Anthony Laffranchi (2), Jake Webster, Josh Graham, Mat Rogers (2), Matt Petersen Goals: Preston Campbell (3/4), Brett Delaney (2/3) Parramatta Eels 12 Tries: PJ Marsh, Nathan Hindmarsh Goals: Luke Burt (2/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Scott Prince (Titans) 2 Points: Anthony Laffranchi (Titans) 1 Point: Luke Bailey (Titans) Live Commentary We're at Carrara today with the Titans hosting the Eels in a crucial game. A sellout crowd and a beaut day on the Gold Coast. A bit of rain overnight and early this morning but it looks like a fairly dry track.

Changes: Eels - Ian Hindmarsh is out, with Wagon moving up into the second row and Feleti Mateo coming off the bench to play lock. Zeb Taia is added to the bench. Titans - Paea is out with Petersen coming onto the wing. Cooper drops off the bench with Graham rounding out the bench.

Parramatta have won the toss and the Gold Coast will kick off. The wind is blowing directly across the ground.

KICK OFF!

10 min: No love lost as the forwards from both sides are hammering each other.

10 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Forward Anthony Laffranchi scores following video ref scrutiny on the grounding. Five eighth Preston Campbell setting up play for Laffranchi to score in good position for the conversion. Conversion attempt by Preston Campbell successful. Gold Coast Titans 6-0

15 min: NO TRY Campbell slices through to score what should have been a try for the Gold Coast, but they are denied by the video ref following an obstruction ruling. A close thing and Parra on the back foot.

19 min: NO TRY Parramatta denied after forward Fuifui Moimoi is ruled to have not grounded the ball.

22 min: Parra kick out on the full and Titans on the attack. the wind has been playing havoc for the kickers.

22 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Winger Jake Webster gallops through to score following a grubber kick from half back Scott Prince. Video Ref checked for off-side but the Titans get the green light. Wide conversion attempt by Preston Campbell unsuccessful. Gold Coast Titans 10-0

32 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Josh Graham scores after Prince runs to the line, kicks ahead, Campbell regathers and finds Graham in support. Tremendous piece of work from the Titans, chancing their hand on the 4th tackle. Conversion attempt by Preston Campbell successful. Gold Coast Titans 16-0

37 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Centre Mat Rogers on the fly after Prince sent a cut out pass to create the overlap. Its all the Titans and the Eels looking shot to bits. Wide conversion from Preston Campbell is successful and rubs salt into Parra's wounds. Gold Coast Titans 22-0

Half time: Titans 22-0 Gold Coast are playing all over a flat looking Eels outfit. Half back Scott Prince popping up everywhere and having a hand in all four tries. Enterprising stuff from the Titans. In the forwards, Laffranchi is putting up his hand with the most hit ups while Luke Bailey is the top tackler for the home side. For Parra, Nathan Hindmarsh has managed a mammoth 34 tackles. 4-3 penalties favour the Titans. Parra with all the work to do.

Second half underway...

43 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Laffranchi bags a double after centre Brett Delaney makes a big bust and pulled down just short of the line. With the defence looking shot, Prince simply sends the ball out to Laffranchi who strolls over to score. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 28-0

47 min: Titans on the attack again following a kick down the left side and Gold Coast players lining up in support. Titans hand over possession and Parra off the hook.

54 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Matt Petersen scores after Rogers makes a bust with Petersen in support showing a great turn of speed. Conversion attempt by Preston Campbell unsuccessful. Gold Coast Titans 32-0

59 min: Parra further imploding, getting marched 10m for back caht and the Gold Coast are on the attack again. Titans then get another penalty right in front of the posts and the ref has a chat to the Eels skipper. Titans take the quick tap... but its a fizzer, they knock on in the next play.

60 min: Crowd figure: 18,021

64 min: TRY Parramatta Eels PJ Marsh drives low from dumnmy half and gets a four-pointer for the Eels. Conversion attempt by Luke Burt successful. Gold Coast Titans 32-6

71 min: TRY Parramatta Eels Nathan Hindmarsh backing up gets a well deserved try after he hit the line hard. Conversion attempt by Luke Burt successful. Gold Coast Titans 32-12

76 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Mat Rogers gets his second try following a bomb, Parra Luke Burt unable to diffuse it. Conversion attempt by Brett Delaney successful. Gold Coast Titans 38-12

Eels players being attended to for injuries with a number players down.

Full time: Titans 38-12 Gold Coast convincing winners and now shorts odds for a top eight spot come finals time. The Eels came back a little in the second half, but not before it was 32-0. Half back Scott Prince the best player on the park with forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Luke Bailey paving the way. Nathan Hindmarsh tackled his heart out and was the best in a losing side.