The Gold Coast Titans have claimed an emphatic victory against cross-town rivals Bond University in round two of Netball Queensland's Sapphire Series.
The inaugural Clash of the Coast between the two Gold Coast teams again broke competition crowd records, with over 1300 tickets issued for the match.
The Titans controlled the match from the outset, winning 59 goals to 48.
Cathrine Tuivaiti made a huge impact early, with the former New Zealand Silver Fern commanding the circle.
On debut for the Titans, Kourtnee Baird and Josie Bingham were outstanding.
Bingham, who played the majority of the match at Goal Attack shot superbly, as did Talitah Faifai who made her own mark when injected into the match.
The Titans midcourt of Baird, Keshia Grant, Jordan Ngarimu and Peta Coles controlled the game and after taking an 11 goal lead into the half, the quartet increased the tempo after the break.
Missing captain Bryah Gafa to international duty (Samoa), Jess Milne and Emily Gilbert were solid in defence, creating plenty of opportunities for the Titans attack to counter-punch.
Up 47 goals to 32 at the three-quarter break, the Titans controlled the margin in the final quarter, eventually winning 59 goals to 48.
After a strong first round win, the Titans Ruby Series side couldn't make it two from two, with the team missing key personnel as the Bond University Bull Sharks claimed a five goal win.
Without key players Bayley d'Hotman de Villiers and Brooke Marchant, the Titans also lost captain Lily Gray for large periods of the game as she battled a quad injury.
The Titans took the early lead, but a spirited Bull Sharks outfit refused to go away and took the advantage after halftime.
With scores level at 26 at three-quarter time, it was the Titans young cross-Coast rivals who The young cross-Coast rivals who played the better final quarter, winning 38 goals to 33.
Earlier, the Titans Academy side featuring some of the best young talent on the Coast had a strong win, defeating the Hinterland District Netball Association side 55 goals to 48.
The Titans return to Carrara on the Saturday 17th June for a double-header against the Ipswich Jets, with both the Ruby and Sapphire sides to play the Wildcats on Friday 30th June on our home court. Tickets are available for both games and will sell fast - grab yours today!
