NRL round 26: Titans upset Wests Tigers
The Gold Coast Titans were able to pull off an impressive upset over the Wests Tigers at home in Skilled Park over the weekend.
The Titans came out strong and were able to do enough to claim victory over the Tigers in the final round of the season. The Titans did most of their work in the first half getting out to a quick start. The Tigers were able to battle back early in the second half, however the Titans did enough late to hold off the Tigers, taking a 21-18 victory.
Recap
The Titans opened up the scoring with a try from Ashley Harrison in the seventh minute, Scott Prince would kick the conversion and the home side took a quick 6-0 lead.
The Titans did not stop their however, as only four minutes later William Zillman darted his way over the whitewash and Prince hit his second conversion to extend the lead to 12.
Mat Rogers was able to add to the lead with a field goal in the 29th minute, allowing the Titans to take a 13-0 lead into halftime.
After the break the Tigers came out strong as they attempted to get back into the contest. Chris Heighington started off the scoring for his side crossing the line in the 45th minute. Benji Marshall kicked the conversion and the Tigers got themselves within seven.
The Tigers kept the pressure on and two minutes later Lote Tuqiri managed to push his way across the try-line. After Marshall hit his second conversion the visitors were within one.
However, the Titans were able to push their lead back out to seven as Kevin Gordon got across the line in the 59th minute and Prince put through the conversion.
Nevertheless, the Tigers were able to keep pace as Gareth Ellis muscled his way over the whitewash in the 64th minute to bring the score to 19-18.
Unfortunately, that was all the Tigers could muster as Prince put through a penalty in the 78th minute to cap off a 21-18 Titans upset.
Analysis
Although the win did not move the Titans up in the standings it did ensure they got home field advantage to start the play-offs next week. The club finished off with 15 wins in the season and will be facing off against the New Zealand Warriors in the first round of the post-season.
The Tigers meanwhile missed an opportunity to take control of second position. Instead the squad will have to settle for third spot and a first round match-up with the Sydney Roosters.
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