Scrappy Storm beat injury-riddled Titans

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Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans

Melbourne's scrappy ways continued as they had to work hard to beat an injury-riddled Titans side 28-14 at Suncorp Stadium this evening.

The first half was a real see-sawing affair. The first 20 minutes was all Melbourne, before the Titans hit back.

The Storm had all the ball from the start of play and in the third minute Munster took to the line before sending a great pass to Scott who strolled through a huge gap to score. Smith converted.

The next ten minutes saw the Storm dominating possession and field position and after receiving back-to-back penalties, the Storm decided to take the two points on offer, which Smith nailed.

In the 20th minute the Titans received a penalty and moved the ball left. Addo-Carr attempted an intercept, but he couldn't control it and the Titans recovered, before the ball was sent to Lee who barged over for a good try. Gordon converted from out wide.

Smith and Slater attempted a little set play but Smith's inside ball was dropped by Slater. The Titans clean up and run into the Storm half. A few plays later and Copley stepped inside Chambers, who had run up off the line, and forced himself over the stripe for a strong try. Gordon again converted.

Gordon then kicked a penalty goal to take the Titans lead out to 6. Both sides ended the half giving away a multitude of penalties.

The Titans continued where the left off in the second half but the Storm were the first to score, capitalising on a forward pass from dummy half by Rein. Kaufusi barged through the Titans defence, reached out and scored. Smith slotted the goal to level the scores.

The next 13 minutes was a horror period for the Titans as they suffered a myriad of player injuries. Hipgrave with a suspected broken wrist, Proctor with a suspected groin tear while Matthews and Wallace both went off for HIA's, leaving their bench empty.

Smith kicked a penalty goal to put his side back in front before Stockwell suffered a nasty head clash and came off the field, replaced by Hipgrave, while Wallace took his place on the bench as the Titans only interchange player.

With 15 minutes remaining, Munster scored, taking advantage of the Titans right side defence rushing up too quickly. He stepped inside Lee and then waltzed over for an easy try. Smith again converted.

Welch was given an early shower after holding Brimson off the play as he chased through his own kick, denying him a near certain try.

With 5 minutes left, the Titans were on the charge. Taylor sent a great pass to Gordon, however Gordon was hit by Munster and dropped the ball. Addo-Carr scooped up the loose ball and ran 50 metres to score under the posts. Smith nailed the goal, running away with a comfortable win.