The Gold Training Titans under-20s have recorded their best performance of the season to beat third-placed Brisbane Broncos on their home turf by 36-6 this evening.
Ben Woolf’s side scored 36 straight points after being behind 6-0 after 12 minutes in their most controlled effort of 2015. It is their third victory over a top five side in four games (after beating the Roosters and Sea Eagles) to become the giant-killing spoilers of the competition.
Fullback Shaun Hudson was outstanding from the back while halves Braydon Torpy and Daniel Schwass controlled play well behind a dominant, aggressive pack.
The Titans decided to shift the ball at every opportunity and their shape, timing and precision out wide was outstanding.
Wingers Brian Kelly and Zac Spring scored two tries each as the side touched down eight times, but converted only twice.
The Broncos scored first when they rolled 80 metres through a set and lock Jai Arrow scored one pass to the left of the play the ball in the seventh minute. Ashley Taylor converted.
It took only five minutes for the Titans to respond. Prop Max Elliott took three defenders across the line in a determined run from 10 metres. Shaun Hudson’s conversion hit the left upright.
The Titans controlled the ball as well as they have all season for the rest of the half and were rewarded with two well-constructed tries to take a 12-6 half-time lead.
The first was scored by right winger Zac Spring after a good play to the right and a wonderful tip on by fullback Hudson. The next came seconds before the half-time siren when the ball was this time sent to the right and left centre Josh Berkers crossed after another quick-hands shift.
The Titans, quoted by bookmakers at $7 to win before the game, scored three tries in the first 12 minutes of the second half to run away to a 28-6 lead against a side just a point behind the competition leaders.
Brian Kelly scored on the left edge with Hudson converting for 16-6 then Rory Humphreys scored on the right side, again from good confident ball movement. Braydon Torpy converted for 22-6 and the Broncos were clearly stunned.
Zac Spring was in for his second soon after Brisbane halfback Ashley Taylor lost possession on the first tackle 20 metres from his line and the ball was quickly sent to the right and Spring given an overlap. Torpy again converted for a 28-6 lead.
Next Hudson who had played a role in so many of the tries, crossed himself before Spring ran 80 metres down the right from the next set after the kick-off before the cover pulled him down but on the next play Brian Kelly picked up a pass off the ground behind him but beat two with his feet and rounded off a wonderful night for this team that has battled adversity with character all season.
Gold Training Titans 36 (Spring 2, Kelly 2, Elliott, Berkers, Humphreys, Hudson tries; Torpy 2 goals) beat Brisbane Broncos 6 (Arrow try; Taylor goal).
