There comes a time in every season where a team just needs to accept that they've lost, and to just give up on the season, and look forward to the next, and that's exactly what happened this afternoon to the Titans. A poor season for 2017 for both sides but evidently more for the Titans from this afternoon's dead rubber match.
A clear, cool and windy day for both sides , A crowd of 10,887 saw the Titans in poor form against the visitors lose 26-14, without recently sacked coach, Neil Henry. The Bulldogs forward, Josh Jackson, celebrated his 200th NRL Match this afternoon as well.
A poor decision by Anthony Don to kick a ball that was leading out to a 40/20, saw the Titans miss an early opportunity to score within the first 4 minutes. A lot of back and forth footy with a lot of errors saw nobody score in the first 15.
The game only really began with the Bulldogs opening up scoring in the 14th minute, with First Try-Scorer William Hopoate getting himself off the duck egg to make it 6-nil.
The onslaught did not stop there. A few penalties for the Bulldogs saw Moses Mbye leave the field with a HIA, but that didn't stop them, as the next minute, David Klemmer barrelled over the Titans defense. The joy was evident for the representative forward, as much like Hopoate, got off the duck egg.
But wait, there's MORE! The Bulldogs restarted play with a penalty in their favour after a high tackle from the Titans. Brenko Lee making a stunning offload for winger Marcelo Montoya, who pushes the Bulldogs in-front by 16.
Late in the first half, Will Hopoate completed the onslaught from the visitors, making it a brace and marking the first time the Bulldogs had scored 20 points in a half since 2016.
The second half began with the Titans getting off the doughnut with Tyrone Roberts scoring, after an error by Marcelo Montoya in catching the high ball, where the bouncing steeden fell right into his grasp.
It started to become a war of attrition on the glitter strip. An awkward tackle saw Brett Morris leave the field with a busted rib then, Dale Copley joined him after a pile-up. Later Nathan Peats and Morgan Boyle also departed to leave the Titans down to a one-man interchange.
The busted Titans gave their fans something to cheer for late, as the ever reliable Anthony Don finished off a try of the season contender, as the ball swung left to right.before the winger dotted down. Youngster Phillip Sami smartened up the scoreline further in the last few minutes for a 26-14 final.
Bulldogs may not have shown the attacking flair of the first half, as they only added six points after the break. Their defensive effort though, which has been roundly critised through the year, was much improved.
Their sole try was probably, the comic moment of the season. Titans half, Ashley Taylor mopped up a grubber then in looking for support threw it to a bemused Josh Morris, the centre strolling across.
NEXT WEEK:
The Titans take on the Roosters away at Allianz Stadium next Saturday afternoon at 3pm.
The Bulldogs take on the Dragons at ANZ Stadium, acting the visitors, Sunday afternoon at 4pm.