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Canberra conquer Cowboys 18-8

The Raiders host the Sharks. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Roar Guru
28th April, 2018
8

The Canberra Raiders have stunned the North Queensland Cowboys, holding on for a 18-8 win off the back of a determined defensive effort at 1300Smiles Stadium.

Having conceded seven tries in last week’s 42-22 loss to South Sydney, many saw the Raiders as simple cannon fodder for a Cowboys side coming off a much-needed win over the Titans.

However, much of the hype surrounding Paul Green’s men this season was based off their outstanding run to last year’s Grand Final and by Round 8 we are still waiting for that Cowboys side to turn up.

Despite the sheer talent of their roster, North Queensland have looked predictable in attack and struggled against a resolute Canberra side on Saturday night.

The Cowboys opened the scoring after Jonathan Thurston put Gavin Cooper through a gaping hole in the 17th minute. However, they would not be able to cross the line again for the remainder of the contest.

Rather, it was the Raiders who ran in the next three tries. The first came in the 26th minute when the improving Siliva Havili gave it to Josh Papalii who crashed past Jason Taumalolo and Shaun Fensom to score under the posts. As a result, both sides entered the sheds locked up at 6-all.

North Queensland scored the first points of the second half courtesy of a penalty goal.

Yet moments later Canberra hit the lead for the first time when Aidan Sezer took on the line and beat the attempted tackles of Michael Morgan and Coen Hess to cross over.

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The Cowboys had several chances to strike back but poor execution and strong defence from Canberra continued to deny them.

Ricky Stuart’s men sealed the well-deserved 18-8 victory in the 74th minute when Havili surged over several defenders to score.

Final score
North Queensland Cowboys 8
Canberra Raiders 18

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