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Storm smash Titans

08/13/2011 11:30:41 AM

Halfback Cooper Cronk scored a hat trick as Melbourne marched a step closer to the minor premiership with a 40-16 thrashing of Gold Coast at Skilled Park on Saturday night.

The Storm extended their winning run to 11 matches with a commanding performance, with Cronk and fullback Billy Slater the stars.

Cronk bagged an early try and two in quick succession early in the second half to continue his fine rum of form in recent weeks.

After an upset win over Cronulla last week, the under-performing Titans went into the game with high hopes but rarely threatened the Storm defence.

They rallied briefly in the second half with two quickfire tries – both from bombs – but struggled for continuity in attack and lacked intensity in defence.

The Titans dominated the early stages but couldn't come up with more than a penalty goal to skipper Preston Campbell as their reward.

The Storm then cut loose, piling on three tries in 10 minutes to take command of the game.

Winger Anthony Quinn grabbed the first, plunging over in the corner after taking a smart pass from five-eighth Gareth Widdop.

Slater then produced an amazing solo run, taking a bomb from Campbell a metre from his own tryline and gliding past four defenders.

Slater linked up with Cronk, who sprinted 50m as the Storm completed a marvellous length-of-the-field try.

Hard-running second-rower Sika Manu picked up the third try, powering past Campbell from close range to extend the visitors' lead to 16-2.

The Titans hit back with a try seven minutes before half-time to centre William Zillman after good lead-up work from back-rower Greg Bird.

But the Storm had the final say of the half, with Cronk sending Slater into the clear with a lovely inside pass.

Cameron Smith added the extras to give the Storm a 22-6 lead at the break.

From there, they coasted to victory in a low-key second half.

The Storm had a late worry with winger Justin O'Neill carted from the field on the medicab with a back injury.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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