The Gold Training Titans under-20s team have been penalised for some late errors and gone down 39-30 against Melbourne Storm at AAMI Stadium.
The Titans’ first 39 minutes was almost faultless with halfback Braydon Torpy controlling play well and the Titans leading 22-10.
But then came a dreadful bounce for winger Zac Spring, who scored three tries today, that went into touch and from the ensuing set the Storm scored and converted to go into the break at 22-16.
A crucial bounce that went the Storm’s way also sunk the Titans late in the game.
After the Titans held holding a 30-22 lead with 22 minutes remaining, the Storm fought back with two quick tries in the 67th and 70th minutes.
The second was a 90-metre effort when they ran the ball own the right side on the last and an inside pass was swung in field and found the boot of their second-rower Joe Stimson who then picked it up after one bounce and step a desperately scrambling Spring to score the try that gave Melbourne the lead at 32-30.
Another Storm try and then a penalty goal and field goal in the final seven minutes ensured that he Titans did not get back into the game.
It was a disappointing loss after such a controlling effort in the first half. Another Storm try came from a 90-metre intercept of a Chris Law pass from dummy half, one of several against-the-run-of-play moments that proved crucial.
However, it was brilliant awareness by Law in the first half – a great pass down the short try to Spring – that led to an earlier try.
