Kwinana Titans 6 – Joondalup Giants 42
By PETER ROWE
Four tries from Lincoln Williams was the highlight of the day at Wellard Oval as the Giants kept their finals hopes alive with a seven try to one victory over the Kwinana Titans in their Round 14 Fuel to Go & Play Premiership clash.
But they got off a slow start that almost caught them out before they found their rhythm.
“He’s a quality kid with plenty of speed,” Titans player-coach Lewis Samuels said, while reflecting on another tough game.
“We got into the grind early but couldn’t sustain it and we had several chances we didn’t take, It’s disappointing but we are learning every week and building the foundations for the future.”
Giants coach Matt Gowland has been warning about slow starts and is still working on a formula to get his side to spark early.
“Im not sure why,” he said. “But it’s something we are talking constantly about.”
The Scott O”Brien – Williams combination in the halves is still a work in progress and when Davie Martin joined in, they clicked.
“Scott and Lincoln are beginning to work well, but they have only had a few games together, so it is taking time,” Gowland said.
O’Brien also got his name on the scoresheet, as did winger Taj Makene and Czebalas Smiler, but it was a day young Lincoln Williams won’t forget, nor probably his brother Tiger, who kicked seven from seven.
Leighay Tauranga scored Kwinana’s lone try.
“When Davie came on it mixed it up a bit and we looked good,” Gowland said.
“Tiger was our MVP. He said afterwards he didn’t deserve it, but he set up a nice try and was solid all afternoon.
“Fraser (fullback Masterton) was another standout, a real workhorse and Lincoln was our one point – he did score four times.”
Gowland praised his side for their effort but was quick to point out that their finals series begins this weekend when Kalamunda visit Admiral Park, with both teams still able to chase down fourth-placed Ellenbrook.
“It’s a big game – our finals start on Saturday,” he said.
For the Titans backrower Dylan Joseph Were was best on field with prop Eddie Tauranga and Harper Le Pau-Fagavao close behind.