Titans cause boilover in final home game

The Gold Coast Titans have caused a massive boilover and have made the St George Illawarra Dragons wait another week for confirmed Finals Football with a heart stopping 28-26 win at a sun soaked Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

The Titans who were on a high after an excellent 28-12 defeat of the Canberra Raiders last week, started off the game terribly slow and found themselves behind after only 3 minutes when Mitch Rein darted in field from dummy half and bamboozled 3 Titans defenders on his way to the line. The poor goal line defence would have worried coach Neil Henry who barely had time to sit down in the coaches box after the trek up from the dressing room. Gareth Widdop slotted the conversion to make it 6-0.

Ill discipline was hurting the Titans who gave away countless penalties including one right in front of their posts which gifted the Red V with another 2 points to stretch out their advantage to 8-0. However, the Titans finally got some decent ball and made the most of it with big NZ player Agnaius Paasi slamming the ball down after a committed 10 metre run, Kane Elgey made it 8-6 and it was game on. The Dragons however hit back almost immediately through prop Mike Cooper who again targeted the slow goal line defense of the Titans and scored under the posts, the ensuring conversion made it 14-6.

In a game that was starting to look like a highlights package, the Gold Coast were again next to score. The much maligned Dave Taylor wound up from 15 metres out, collected a nice short ball from Kane Elgey and rampaged his way through a sea of red and white jumpers to score in the corner. It was a show of pure strength from the big man and something that Gold Coast as well as NRL fans haven't seen enough of in Taylor's career. The goal from Elgey again brought the game back to 2 points. The Dragons had the last laugh of the half when Benji Marshall stepped his way through 3 feeble attempts at tackle by the Titans to score next to the posts. It was vintage Marshall and brought the Dragons fans to their feet as one. Widdop knocked over the goal to give the Dragons a 20-12 half time lead.

The 2nd half was a stark contrast to the first. The Dragons attacking impetus went out the window and dropped balls and misplaced passes were the name of the game for the Red V. The only points they could muster in the 2nd half was a nice intercept try by Gareth Widdop who raced 90 metres to score under the posts. In between this there were 2 tries to David Mead in the 52nd and 61st minutes (the latter a lovely set move by the Titans and a pin point kick by Elgey into the corner which Mead pounced upon.

David Taylor got the Titans the lead and the win with a burrowing effort from dummy half on 77 minutes. After Daniel Mortimer was grounded 1m out on the 4th tackle, Taylor scooped up the ball from dummy half and dove between the legs of Mortimer and the Dragons defenders to score. At 1st look the try looked dubious but nonetheless was awarded and the Titans players and fans celebrated alike. Despite a late raid by the Dragons it was all in vein and they will have to defeat the Tigers next weekend to guarantee Finals football in 2015. The Titans on the other hand were delighted to finish their home record on a high with a wonderful fight back victory in front of their adoring fans. Next week they are off to Townsville for their final match of the season.

Match Details

Gold Coast Titans 28 St. George Illawarra Dragons 26
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium
Crowd: 12,335
Halftime Score: Gold Coast Titans 12 St. George Illawarra Dragons 20

GOLD COAST TITANS (28)
Tries: Agnatius Paasi, Dave Taylor (2), David Mead (2)
Conversions: Kane Elgey (4/5)

ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (26)
Tries: Mitch Rein, Gareth Widdop, Mike Cooper, Benji Marshall
Conversions: Gareth Widdop (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Gareth Widdop (1/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Kane Elgey
2 points - Agnatius Paasi
1 point - Benji Marshall

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Hello and welcome to the sunny Gold Coast for this Round 25 clash between the Gold Coast Titans and the Finals chasing St George Illawarra Dragons. The main focus of this game is that a win for the Dragons will ensure that they seal up a Finals spot. They are uncnahged and line up 1-17, meanwhile the Titans have a lot of changes. The Titans have lost captain Nate Myles which has prompted a surprise move. Matt White will move into Myles' vacant front row slot, but the big change is Kalifa Faifai Loa being benched - in order to play as a second-row utility. Brad Tighe replaces him in the backline with Nene Macdonald moving to the wing. Luke Douglas drops to the bench with Eddy Pettybourne starting.

The Titans have a lot to play for too. They don't want the dreaded wooden spoon so will hope that the home ground advantage will get them home. As we talked about earlier, The Dragons will wrap up a finals spot with a win today. A lot of pundits have already written off the Red V as contenders for 2015, so no doubt the Dragons will use that as added motivation this afternoon as well.

The weather is glorious down on ground level. Currently 21 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We have a 9km Westerly breeze, which shouldn't affect the teams too much.

In 14 clashes the Dragons have 10 wins to the Titans 4. The Red V have also won the past 2 clashes and have won 4 of 6 clashes at CBUS Stadium.

Just about 5 mins away here folks, huge game for the Red and Whites who are desperate for the win. Gold Coast obviously wanting to get a win in their last home game for 2015. Should be an interesting match!

We're off and running!

1: Decent opening set by the Dragons, they make about 40 metres and Widdop does a big up and under The Titans diffuse it without too many issues

2: mead makes a break after some simple catch and pass from dave Taylor, however he is ankle tapped and loses the ball on the half way! Danger early on for the Red V

4: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Mitch Rein. Kick to come.
Well this was a little bit too easy wasn't it? Rein from the play the ball hits and spins through 3 Titans defenders and drives his way over the Line! Set up nicely by Dugan's run on the tackle before.

5: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
Widdop slams it through and the Dragons race out to a 6-0 lead

6: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Leeson Ah Mau makes an unforced error.
Ah Mau spills a simple ball from Marshall with the Dragons in attacking position. Disappointing play...

6: can the Titans build some pressure?

7: No they can't the bomb is left to bounce and the Dragons get the ball back, 1 tackle later they get a penalty, ill discipline by the Titans.

9: Well weighted chip kick by Benji Marshall and its slapped dead By McDonald, nice attacking set from the Dragons there. Titans under pressure at the moment

10: Another penalty to the Dragons after Merrin had some pressure on the head and a flop by Falloon. Dragons opt for the penalty goal...

11: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Penalty goal attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
From 35m out Widdop slaps it through the middle of the posts and it's 8-0 to the Red V

11: Titans on the back foot big time at the moment and are losing the battle in the forwards.

13: And the Dragons again threaten! The ball is sent to Matu'tai and he gives it to Nightingale who races down the left wing, however James Roberts chases him down with ease and smashes him into touch! Great cover defence

14: 75 metres set by the Titans and they get a penalty for holding in the play the ball on the last only 5m out. Elgey and Roberts looking very sharp in that set

15: Nightingale grounds the ball after a nice grubber kick by Elgey on the last who has had a nice start to the game.

15: More pressure by the Titans!

16: We're going upstairs for a possible try for the Titans!

16: No TRY! Grounded by Dugan just before Kane Elgey who nearly gets there from Mortimer's kick. Close stuff!

17: Penalty to the Dragons after Hoffman runs behind Taylor and that's an obstruction folks. Poor play by the Titans.

19: Hoffman cleans up a Widdop grubber, Dragons looked pretty predictable in that set of 6. However the Gold Coast with it all to do as they come out of their own end.

20: Another poor attacking set by the Dragons, lots of side to side but not another forward movement. Marshall knocks on his on bomb on the last.

22: Penalty to the Titans on half way and they have a wonderful opportunity to attack the Dragons goal line once again.

22: We are going to the video ref again! Possible try to Paasi

22: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Agnatius Paasi. Kick to come.
Paasi runs straight and hard at Frizzell and Dugan and rolls his way into the in goal and gets the Titans first points!

23: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION GOLD COAST TITANS
Conversion attempt by Kane Elgey successful.
Kane Elgey slides it through and its a 2 point ball game folks. 8-6

23: Knock on by Roberts, Dragons 30m out!

26: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Mike Cooper. Kick to come.
The pressure is too much for the poor old Titans. Right foot step by Cooper who goes through 3 players and slams the ball under the posts! Great hit back by the Dragons.

27: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
Widdop throws it over and the Dragons restores parity. 14-6 here.

28: Fantastic set by the Dragons, make 60 metres and after a quick play the ball, Marshall sends in a great kick that dribbles into touch 10m out.

31: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Dave Taylor. Kick to come.
Rampaging Dave Taylor carries Dragons defenders and slams it over the line! They're back the Titans!

32: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION GOLD COAST TITANS
Conversion attempt by Kane Elgey successful.
No problems for Elgey and again its back to a 2 point ball game. 14-12.

34: Widdop chances his arm with a 40/20 but it goes into touch 21m out! So close!

36: Pressure relieving penalty to the Dragons after Farrell was stripped of the ball 2 on 1. Stupid.

39: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Benji Marshall. Kick to come.
Benji Magic! Scoops up a dreadful pass from Rein on the half volley, steps 1, steps 2 and steps a 3rd off his right foot and slides over! Try Time!

39: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
From next to the posts Widdop kicks it high and straight and its 20-12

40: They go for the short kick off and it doesn't go the 10! Dragons are going for the goal from 50m out!

40: UNSUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Penalty goal attempt by Gareth Widdop unsuccessful.
No good, gets the distance but it just shaves past the right upright! That is half time!

40: We're back for the 2nd half here at CBUS Stadium. Can the Dragons hold on to the lead or will Gold Coast come home with a wet sail

43: The Dragons attack again with intent and are unlucky to not get the ball back, Hoffman shepherds it dead, Titans survive

44: Fantastic set by the Dragons that is highlighted by breaks by Dugan and Marshall, nice kick by Widdop gives the dragons a repeat set. Pressure building

47: Poor end to the set by the Red V and Rein's grubber is cleaned up by the Titans.

49: The Titans work it on the last and have space and numbers, Elgey looks like he is going to the line but Dugan has other ideas and crunches him body on body!

51: End to end stuff at the moment. Both sides are racing down field but can't find any points!

52: Video referee decision for the Titans!

52: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by David Mead. Kick to come.
Luck a plenty for the Titans. High kick by Elgey and Mead goes up for it, knocks it back and lands on it all in one motion! They're fighting like beavers the Titans!

52: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION GOLD COAST TITANS
Conversion attempt by Kane Elgey successful.
Elgey kicks it right between the uprights and its 20-18!

53: The Titans looking incredibly dangerous but Roberts pass is spilled by Paasi! Disappointing end and the Dragons are out on their feet!

56: Kick by Widdop is cleaned up by that man Elgey again and he's off! However he is crunched again by Dugan who comes off 2nd best and is in some pain at the moment. Knock on and the Dragons have the ball back.

55: The Dragons can't do anything right in this half. Forward pass to DeBelin.

57: Now the Titans give the ball back and the Dragons are back in Titans territory

58: Garvey burrows from dummy half but the Titans are ready for it and he is held up 2m out. Great defense by the Titans here and the Dragons seem void of all ideas...

59: You'd fancy that the next try scorer would go on to win this game folks...

60: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by David Mead. Kick to come.
Fantastic kick from Danny Mortimer! The ball is picked up by a flying David Mead and he slams it down, that's a marvelous try!! Titans hit the front 22-20!

60: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION GOLD COAST TITANS
Conversion attempt by Kane Elgey unsuccessful.
No good this time from Elgey and its a 2 point game here.

62: Can the Dragons pull something out for this one? They've made it very hard on themselves in this whole 2nd half

63: Titans have a scrum feed 10m out, huge set coming up!

65: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Gareth Widdop. Kick to come.
Oh No! What a costly mistake by Mortimer, he sends a pass out the back but it hits the deck and is scooped up by Widdop who out runs everyone on the field and streaks 90m to score under the posts! What a moment in this game!

65: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
Widdop knocks it over and they have a 4 point lead, how big is that try?

67: huge final 13 minutes left folks, who are you backing?

68: Oh deary me! From the kick off Aitken lets the ball bounce and it bounces dead! Drop out! What a topsy turvy game!

68: But no! The Titans drop the ball after Ioane makes a very string tackle! he's only just come on the former Gold Coast Titan

69: Now the Dragons lose it from Frizzell! This is absolutely crazy... No team wants to take control at all.

70: 10 mins left... Anyone's game

71: Fantastic take by Nightingale in the in goal from the Elgey bomb. Great experience shown there.

74: Great kick by Benj on the last, it has Mead straining to get there

75: The Titans make the break and Elgey kicks on 3rd, Nightingale is drilled In goal. Drop out

76: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Dave Taylor. Kick to come.
Taylor burrows low from dummy half and gets the ball on the line and the Titans are level!

77: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION GOLD COAST TITANS
Conversion attempt by Kane Elgey successful.
Titans Lead!

80: Titans win 28-26!