Australia

Melbourne Storm defy the Titans at Robina, equal all-time league winning streak



The Melbourne Storm have equalled the biggest winning streak in league history with a 19th straight victory, beating Gold Coast Titans 34-20 at Robina.

The Storm trailed early, but scored four tries to one in the second half to keep their run going — the streak matches the great Eastern Suburbs side coached by Jack Gibson in 1975.

Melbourne can make history if the team beats Parramatta next week for an unprecedented 20th straight win. 

Trailing 16-12 at half-time, Storm superstar Cameron Munster took control of the match in the second half as the premiers charged to a 14-point win.

Munster not only scored one but directed the Storm attack throughout the second term as they matched the 1975 Sydney Roosters premiership-winning team’s all-time winning run.

Having opted to rest several key players, the Storm didn’t look like winners when they were jumped at the start by a Titans team desperate to stay in the top eight.

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Despite the absences of Moeaki Fotuaika (knee) and AJ Brimson (jaw), it was the hosts who raced to a 10-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes.

Young gun Jayden Campbell and Greg Marzhew were the scorers before the Titans struck back when Ryan Papenhuyzen and Josh Addo-Carr combined to send Marion Seve over untouched in the 23rd minute.

The Storm hit the front just minutes later when Harry Grant barged over from close range but the Titans weren’t done.

Campbell outjumped Munster to snare an Ash Taylor kick and score his second, the Storm heading into the sheds trailing for the first time since their round eight clash with Cronulla.

Just as they did on that occasion when they charged to a 40-14 win over the Sharks, the Storm stepped up a gear in the second half with Munster, Nicho Hynes and an Addo-Carr double blasting the Titans away.

Tyrone Peachey secured a late consolation for the Titans but the game was long over at that stage.

The only sour note for the Storm was a recurrence of a knee injury to George Jennings late in the first half which ended his night early.

The Titans also had an injury concern with co-captain Kevin Proctor playing just eight minutes before coming off the field with what looked like a left shoulder issue.

Titans’ five-eighth Ash Taylor was also placed on report in the second half for appearing to drop a knee on Hynes as the Storm half-back attempted to get up to play the ball.

Melbourne can eclipse the Roosters’ record next weekend while Gold Coast simply have to return to winning ways against Newcastle to keep their finals dream alive.

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AAP/ABC



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