Don hat-tricks helps Titans sink directionless Dragons

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Gold Coast Titans v St George Illawarra Dragons

The woes for the Dragons continue as they were overrun by a committed Titans outfit 20-10 in front of 13,140 fans at Robina, highlighted by a Anthony Don hat-trick. 

Is Don, is good. The winger scored three as the Titans recorded back-to-back victories in a 20-10 win which also produced the first half-time lead for the home side in 2017. 

In a low-scoring contest, there was only one name that stood out between the two sides. Anthony Don - the winger has made a habit of scoring some pearlers over the years and his juggling effort for the opener was just another for the list.

The Titans looked the more composed side in the first half, as they looked slick with ball in hand. That was evident in Don's second as Jarryd Hayne swept down the right before the winger strolled in. 

Dragons looked lethargic, much like the first half of the Knights game and bar two penalty goals didn't look close to crossing the stripe. Gareth Widdop the main culript with several bounced passes to the backline. 

Jack De Belin was the best for the Saints in the first stanza, as he provided several smooth passes, notably to put away Josh Dugan early then another for interchange prop Tariq Sims showed that if the Dragons went through the middle there might be some reward. 

This pattern continued into the second, as Dragons stumbled through their sets while the Titans looked bright with every touch. Don completed a hat-trick in the 55th from a superb cut-out from Hayne as the Dragons looked shot.

Added to their woes was the double whammy of both Josh Dugan and Tyson Frizell going off within five minutes which will cause some sleepless nights for Blues coach Laurie Daley. 

There was some life in the Saints once Josh McCrone was interjected into the game, providing some straight running and an immediate try to Kurt Mann. Suddenly they had some urgency but couldn't put together some sustained pressure on a Titans team looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season. 

Roberts kicked the Titans to victory as the Dragons continue to slump down the ladder after their fast start to the 2017 season. Gold Coast on the otherhand go into the bye with some confidence after two impressive results against the Dragons and Tigers.