Manly hammer teetering Titans

2008 premiers the Manly Sea Eagles have thrashed the Gold Coast Titans 38-4 to secure fifth spot and put their title defence back on track.

Played in front of 14,165 fans at Brookvale Oval, the match saw the home side score seven tries to one. The result books Manly into a NRL finals clash with the fourth-placed Storm in Melbourne next Friday night.

The Titans have maintained third spot and have earned the right to a home final at Skilled Park in Robina next Saturday, but their challenge has been put in jeopardy following tonight's capitulation.

A hamstring injury to Mat Rogers places the star utility in doubt for next week's Gold Coast final, while Luke O'Dwyer has been ruled out of the finals after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury early in the second half.

Manly dominated proceedings from the outset. Tries to Kieran Foran, David Williams, Ben Farrar and fullback Brett Stewart laid down a 22-0 half time score.

Glenn Hall scored in the 45th minute before halfback Matt Orford powered over the line 10 minutes later to make it 34-0.

Williams crossed for a double in the 70th minute before the Titans finally got on the board through winger Kevin Gordon three minutes before fulltime.

Match Details
Manly Sea Eagles 38 def Gold Coast Titans 4
Round 26 - Saturday September 5th, 2009 07:30pm Venue: Brookvale Oval Referee: Shayne Hayne & Bernard Sutton
Sideline Officials: Grant Atkins & Paul Holland
Video Referee: Steve Clark Crowd: 14,165 Halftime: Manly Sea Eagles 22 Gold Coast Titans 0

Manly Sea Eagles 38
Tries: Kieran Foran, David Williams (2), Ben Farrar, Brett Stewart, Glenn Hall, Matt Orford
Goals: Matt Orford (5/8)

Gold Coast Titans 4
Tries: Kevin Gordon
Goals: Scott Prince (0/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles) 2 Points: Matt Orford (Sea Eagles) 1 Point: Josh Perry (Sea Eagles)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Talk about the Sea Eagles v Titans Round 26 clash as it happens - forum discussion - click here!

SEA EAGLES: 1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Ben Farrar 4. Steve Matai 5. David Williams 6. Kieran Foran 7. Matt Orford (c) 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Chris Bailey 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange: 14. Heath L