ID :
122308
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 22:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/122308
The shortlink copeid
Warriors rein in the Cowboys 24-12
The Warriors overcame their first-half jitters to break a three-game NRL losing
streak with a 24-12 triumph over North Queensland at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Facing a Cowboys side boosted by the return of captain Johnathan Thurston, the
Warriors raced to a 20-0 halftime lead - the first time in four matches they had
scored a point in the first half.
Ivan Cleary's men had to withstand a brief comeback from the Cowboys after the break
before a late try to winger Kevin Locke ensured a much-needed win.
The visitors played their cards close to their chest all week, naming Thurston in
the line-up on match day to complete their key combination of Aaron Payne and
Matthew Bowen for the first time this season.
The Warriors broke their worrying habit of scoreless first halves early when Ukuma
Ta'ai shuffled past three North Queensland players and crashed under the posts in
the 10th minute.
Second rower Lewis Brown, named in the side after skipper Simon Mannering's last
minute withdrawal due to a hamstring injury, pushed the Warriors lead further
shortly after.
The 23-year-old took a high ball off the big hands of Manu Vatuvei, who appeared to
be struggling on the damp paddock with a hamstring injury that has seen him
sidelined for the last four weeks.
Just before halftime Ian Henderson boosted the Warriors' lead to 18-0 before a James
Maloney penalty ensured a comfortable halftime lead in front of 10,802 vocal
supporters.
The Cowboys managed to muster up some momentum in the second half, putting their
first points on the board 52 minutes in when Scott Bolton took a pass from his
skipper and planted the ball under the sticks.
Winger Michael Bani boosted the Cowboys' hopes with a try on the left edge five
minutes later.
But a strong Warriors defence kept the Townsville side's completion rate down and,
with ten minutes remaining, young gun Locke crossed to seal a much-need victory.
The Cowboys, who failed to control the tempo of the game, will now have a week off,
while the Warriors prepare to face South Sydney at home next Sunday.
streak with a 24-12 triumph over North Queensland at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Facing a Cowboys side boosted by the return of captain Johnathan Thurston, the
Warriors raced to a 20-0 halftime lead - the first time in four matches they had
scored a point in the first half.
Ivan Cleary's men had to withstand a brief comeback from the Cowboys after the break
before a late try to winger Kevin Locke ensured a much-needed win.
The visitors played their cards close to their chest all week, naming Thurston in
the line-up on match day to complete their key combination of Aaron Payne and
Matthew Bowen for the first time this season.
The Warriors broke their worrying habit of scoreless first halves early when Ukuma
Ta'ai shuffled past three North Queensland players and crashed under the posts in
the 10th minute.
Second rower Lewis Brown, named in the side after skipper Simon Mannering's last
minute withdrawal due to a hamstring injury, pushed the Warriors lead further
shortly after.
The 23-year-old took a high ball off the big hands of Manu Vatuvei, who appeared to
be struggling on the damp paddock with a hamstring injury that has seen him
sidelined for the last four weeks.
Just before halftime Ian Henderson boosted the Warriors' lead to 18-0 before a James
Maloney penalty ensured a comfortable halftime lead in front of 10,802 vocal
supporters.
The Cowboys managed to muster up some momentum in the second half, putting their
first points on the board 52 minutes in when Scott Bolton took a pass from his
skipper and planted the ball under the sticks.
Winger Michael Bani boosted the Cowboys' hopes with a try on the left edge five
minutes later.
But a strong Warriors defence kept the Townsville side's completion rate down and,
with ten minutes remaining, young gun Locke crossed to seal a much-need victory.
The Cowboys, who failed to control the tempo of the game, will now have a week off,
while the Warriors prepare to face South Sydney at home next Sunday.
