Poor discipline and poor handling have cost the Titans NYC side this afternoon, being defeated 20-18 by the New Zealand Warriors.
It was just the Warriors second victory of the season, in what was undoubtedly one of the young Titans worst displays of the year.
Coach Ben Woolf was forced to make some changes to his side with Tyronne Roberts-Davis (shoulder) and AJ Brimson (hand) notable omissions with Tre Williams and Phil Sami shifting positions for the clash with the Warriors.
It wasn’t a memorable start for five-eighth Ethan Roberts who in just the first set, threw an intercept that was taken by Warriors centre Dean Kouka-Smith. The centre then ran 50m untouched to go across to score. Halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita had the kicking duties but couldn’t convert, leaving the score at 4-nil, after just two minutes.
The visitors extended their lead shortly after with two quick tries in the 22nd and 27th minutes. The young Titans weren’t helping themselves with poor possession and poor discipline.
The ever-reliable Daniel Brownbill opened the Titans account in the 35th minute of play when he was able to slice through the Warriors defence on the left. It was one of the only time the side were able to mount some pressure and they turned it into points. Roberts converted the try, with the scoreboard reading 12-6.
The poor discipline continued to start the second half when the young Titans were penalised just 20m out from their own in-goal. With only a converted try in it, the Warriors chose to take the shot at goal and converted, extending the lead out to eight, 14-6.
Sami continued his good form when he scored in the 51st minute. In similar style to Brownbill, he sliced through two defenders before brushing aside the fullback to score. Roberts again converted, closing the gap to two, 14-12.
It was pure force from Warriors forward Jerome Mamea, that gave the Warriors their fourth try of the afternoon. Mamea took it forward and shrugged off three, crashing over to score next to the uprights. Five-eighth Kane Telea converted, with the Warriors leading 20-12.
The Titans were fighting but the poor handling continued. They did however make a game of it when Keegan Hipgrave crossed for his second try in Titans colours. A penalty was awarded and HIpgrave showed plenty of determination, carrying four defenders across the line to score. Roberts converted, the score 20-18 with four minutes left on the clock.
The remaining minutes were played at a frantic pace but the home side couldn’t break the line, with the Warriors holding on for a two point victory.
WARRIORS 20 (Kouka-Smith 2, Ogden, Mamea Tries; Telea 2 Goals)
Def.
TITANS 18 (Brownbill, Sami, Hipgrave Tries; Roberts 3 Goals)
At: Cbus Super Stadium
