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Melbourne have continued their recent dominance over North Queensland in the NRL, cruising to a 26-12 win at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
Although the Storm were not quite at their best, they showed they have the firepower to get the job done.
After shifting Greg Inglis to the centres from five-eighth, the Test and Queensland Origin star caused problems for the Cowboys defence all night, while fullback Billy Slater was equally destructive.
It was the Storm’s fifth straight win over North Queensland and third on the trot in Townsville.
Melbourne’s defence also once again proved a highlight, as they overcame a 7-2 penalty first-half penalty count against them to take a six-point lead at half-time.
Tries to Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Anthony Quinn gave the Storm an 18-12 lead at the break, with Scott Bolton and John Williams crossing for the home team.
Only gutsy defence from the Cowboys combined with some error-riddled play from the Storm stopped the reigning minor premiers from extending their advantage straight after the break.
But the visitors eventually got their reward in the 52nd minute through the boot of skipper Cameron Smith, who kicked a penalty goal to extend their advantage to eight points.
It became 14 points four minutes later when Slater piloted a cut-out pass for winger Steve Turner to score in the right corner.
While the try was promptly awarded by the referee, the Cowboys may have been left wishing it was referred to the video official.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston appeared to be taken out of the defensive line by a rampaging Wairangi Koopu, opening a hole for the Storm to exploit.
Aiden Tolman looked almost certain to put the Cowboys out of the contest when he swooped on a Cronk chip kick with 12 minutes to go, but incredible goal-line defence from Matt Bowen and Williams cut him agonisingly short.
However that resistance proved futile, as North Queensland’s usually slick attack failed to click at the vital moments and they failed to score in the second half.
The victory improved Melbournes start to the season to two wins and one loss and coach Craig Bellamy said it was their best performance so far in 2009.
“I thought our defence was really good, I’ve been really happy with that this year, and to keep the Cowboys to 12 points at home is a pretty good effort,” Bellamy said.
“I thought our attack was better tonight, there is still a little bit of work to do but certainly we created some opportunities and thats very pleasing.”
“It was a steep return to earth for the Cowboys following last week’s 28-point thumping of the Wests Tigers.
“You have got to control the ball, its a game of possession, and they (Melbourne) were better at what they did. coming out of their own end,” said Cowboys coach Neil Henry.
“It’s ball control, its concentration, its focus and thats what we need to do.”
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