NRL
Melbourne Storm 6
Gold Coast Titans 18
The Titans vanquished their Olympic Park demons with a spirited victory over a lacklustre Storm.
In their past two visits to Melbourne's home ground, the Titans have conceded almost 100 points and scored only 10 but they buried that record last night, leading
from start to finish.
It was only the Storm's fourth loss at home in 45 games and their first night loss at home in their past 20 matches. While the Storm fought back from 10-0 down at halftime, the margin could have been greater but for some desperate Storm defence, with the Titans dominating territory and possession.
Test hooker Cameron Smith started the match at five-eighth with Greg Inglis at centre and Ryan Hinchcliffe at rake but the move didn't have the same success as last week and was abandoned midway through the first half.
After a successful early penalty by Titans five-eighth Mat Rogers, the visitors posted the opening try of the match in the 26th minute.
Skipper Luke Bailey charged on to a Nathan Friend pass and managed to plant the ball over his head, despite the efforts of the Storm defence.
With five minutes remaining in the half, Rogers kicked his third penalty goal.
The Titans started the second half with the same determination, with mercurial winger Chris Walker finding the tryline after a break by centre Brett Delaney.
Melbourne finally got on the scoreboard in the 51st minute when replacement centre Joseph Tomane showed his pace and ducked and swerved around the defence to score.
Tomane's try was all the home side had to cheer, with Rogers adding to the misery with another penalty in the final minute.
Posting their fourth victory in 14 games on the road, Gold Coast skipper Bailey said his team-mates were excited by the win.
"I think we're getting hungrier as a team. There's still a lot to learn and a lot to improve but confidence is gaining and we're getting a bit of momentum."
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said his side was beaten by a better team on the night.
"We had plenty of chances and field position in the second half but we seemed to lack some spark," Bellamy said. "At the same time, the Titans defended really well and we just weren't in the contest."
Titans 18 (L Bailey C Walker tries, M Rogers 5 goals) Storm 6 (J Tomane try, C Smith goal).
- AAP
NRL
Melbourne Storm 6
Gold Coast Titans 18
The Titans vanquished their Olympic Park demons with a spirited victory over a lacklustre Storm.
In their past two visits to Melbourne's home ground, the Titans have conceded almost 100 points and scored only 10 but they buried that record last night, leading
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