Jaiman Lowe sent off as Titans overcome Rabbitohs

The Gold Coast Titans have come out on top defeating the South Sydney Rabbitohs by 25-18 at Carrara Stadium tonight.

The match ended in controversy with South Sydney forward Jaiman Lowe being sent off in the 76th minute for thumping marker Brett Delaney in an off-the-ball incident.

With Delaney hitting the deck and requiring assistance from trainers, referee Tony De Las Heras immediately called Lowe out. Following a report from his touch judge, De Las Heras has no hesitation in sending Lowe from the field.

With both sides vying for a top eight spot on the ladder, it was the Titans who drew first blood after just three minutes when back rower Mark Minichiello ran onto a deft grubber kick from new signing Josh Lewis.

The Rabbitohs struck back in the 12th minute when five eighth Jeremy Smith got the benefit of the doubt from the video ref following a clever kick from half back Joe Williams.

Williams converted the try and the scores were locked up at 6-all.

Josh Lewis became playmaker once again in the 30th minute, putting up a bomb which resulted in Brett Delaney scoring behind the uprights and putting the home side up by six.

At half time, the Titans led 12-6.

South Sydney capitalised soon after the break with rookie Fetuli Talanoa crashing over, the conversion levelling the scores at 12-all.

Titans half back Scott Prince finally injected himself into the match in the 46th minute with a solo effort to put his side back in front. Prince repeated the dose in the 71st minute to put the home side up by 24-12.

But Souths breathed life back into the match with a well worked try to winger Reece Simmonds. The sideline conversion from Williams made it a six-point ball game with five minutes to go.

With the Rabbitohs in possession and 30 metres out, the match was set for a dramatic finish. But the Jaiman Lowe's brain explosion, and subsequent send off and penalty, put the Titans back in the driver's seat.

A last minute field goal from Josh Lewis saw the Titans run out 25-18 winners and end a three match losing streak.

Match Details Round 11 - Full Time :: May 26th, 2007 07:30 PM Venue: Gold Coast Stadium Referee: Tony De Las Heras

Gold Coast Titans 25 Tries: Mark Minichiello, Brett Delaney, Scott Prince (2) Field Goals: Josh Lewis (1/1) Goals: Mat Rogers (4/4) South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 Tries: Jeremy Smith, Fetuli Talanoa, Reece Simmonds Goals: Joe Williams (3/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Luke Bailey (Titans) 2 Points: Joe Williams (Rabbitohs) 1 Point: Josh Lewis (Titans) LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Fine night for football on the Gold Coast. Both sides desperate for a win and teams now coming onto the field....

Titans take up position at the Southern end. Rabbitohs to kick off...

KICK OFF!

3 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Mark Minichiello runs onto a well drilled grubber kick from Josh Lewis to touch down in good position. Conversion attempt by Mat Rogers successful. Gold Coast Titans 6-0

12 min: TRY South Sydney Rabbitohs Jeremy Smith gets benefit of the doubt from video ref (on the grounding) following a grubber kick from Joe Williams. Conversion attempt from almost in front by Joe Williams is successful. 6 all

23 min: Still 6-all. Rabbitohs with an overlap on their left side but a knock-on from Reece Simmonds sees the Titans off the hook.

30 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Brett Delaney gets the nod from the video ref after he gets downward pressure on a loose ball, follows a high spiralling kick from 30m out from Josh Lewis. Conversion attempt by Mat Rogers from right in front is successful. Gold Coast Titans 12-6

32 min: Positional change for Titans. Rogers to full back and Richie Mathers on the wing. Follows winger Smith Samau being forced off.

35 min: Confirmation from the sheds that Titans winger Smith Samau has done a hammy and will take no further part.

Half time: Titans 12-6 Anyone's game. Titans just in front and controlling the edges of the ruck just a little better, but this match too close to call.

Second half underway...

42 min: TRY South Sydney Rabbitohs Fetuli Talanoa scores after a dubious knock-on call against the Titans. Conversion attempt from in front by Joe Williams successful. 12 all

46 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Scott Prince runs at the line from close range and puts the Titans back in front. Conversion attempt 15m wide by Mat Rogers successful. Gold Coast Titans 18-12

50 min: Titans reduced to a two man bench for the time being at least with front rower James Stosic getting stitches following a cut.

62 min: Souths getting repeat sets at the Titans line but unable to come up with the points.

68 min: Souths makes a bust down the left flank with Nathan Merritt in full flight. the play breaks down following an inside pass which goes to ground.

71 min: TRY Gold Coast Titans Scott Prince steps through and scores just wide of the posts. Conversion attempt by Mat Rogers successful. Gold Coast Titans 24-12

74 min: TRY South Sydney Rabbitohs Reece Simmonds scores out wide and its not over yet! Conversion attempt by Joe Williams successful. Gold Coast Titans 24-18

76 min: SENT OFF Souths Sydney's Jaiman Lowe sent from the field after he thumps Brett Delaney in an off the ball incident.

79 min: FIELD GOAL Gold Coast Titans New signing Josh Lewis puts the icing on the cake with a one-pointer at the end. Gold Coast Titans 25-18

Full time: Titans 25-18