Titans go back-to-back as Bulldogs lurch to the spoon

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans

Gold Coast Titans did enough to get the points in a 18-14 success against a committed Canterbury Bulldogs outfit today at ANZ Stadium.

There was a whiff of desperation around Homebush, the Bulldogs aiming to avoid the spoon whilst the Titans try to continue their rebuild. It was the visitors in the Gold Coast Titans who showed enough to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in 2020. 

Two weeks ago, Jamal Fogarty felt the brunt of the fans laughing after being ankle-tapped by Raiders prop Josh Papalii. Since then, Fogarty scored the winner against the Dragons and masterminded today's win against the Bulldogs. 

From the first set, the Titans looked to express themselves. The first switch wide almost gave AJ Brimson the opener. It came next set as Corey Thompson tip-toed over the tryline to set the tone for the afternoon. 

The game never climbed to any great heights, as errors and missed conversions were plentiful. When there was some skill, it came through the visitors. Beau Fermor and Fogarty crossed to make it 14-6 at the break. 

When the Dogs attack came alive, it was through veteran Kieran Foran. He set up their first four-pointer to winger Nick Meaney then sparked the comeback with a slicing effort close to the line to make it 14-10. Sadly, Foran left the field midway through the second half with a suspected pectoral injury. 

If there was a try to sum up the contest, it was a kick from one winger from the other to stretch Gold Coast's advantage to eight. Anthony Don scored in his return from injury and it looked like the Titans would continue their rise as the best performing Queensland side. 

Bulldogs, like they have all season, tried until the end. Lachlan Lewis thrust into the main playmaker role after Foran left the field injured, mimiced his halves partner with his four-pointer to make it 18-14. From there, the Bulldogs failed to fire another shot to try and move off the bottom of the ladder.