The Serve

Warriors melt in Townsville heat

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What they said: Cowboys and Warriors

The oppressive afternoon tropical heat, combined with yet another virtuoso performance from Cowboys half Johnathan Thurston have seen North Queensland romp to a 49-12 win over a wilted Warriors side, who exit the NRL premiership race.

It might not be all joy for the Australian half, with a clumsy tackle in the first half on Wairangi Koopu sure to come under scrutiny from the match review panel tomorrow.

Aside from that, Thurston was at his dynamic best, with a series of incisive passes, quick bursts and audacious kicks constantly bamboozling the Warriors. Thurston also landed 7 from 7 with the boot, several from the sideline.

In temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius, the Warriors started brightly when Michael Crockett was on the end of a crisp movement to the left. The signs were good as the Warriors continued to press, however the Cowboys leveled the scores when Mark Henry scored in the 14th minute. The visitors were soon back, with Tony Martin crossed in what turned out to be his final game in the NRL.

At that point, it was obvious this match was not going to be dominated by defence. It seemed almost every set would bring a try scoring opportunity.

It was then the Cowboys turn to tick over the scoreboard, with Ben Farrar crashing over.

The home side began to toy with the Warriors, who were noticeably tiring. The New Zealand side would end the match making 124 more tackles than North Queensland.

The decisive try came two minutes from half time. A perfect pass from Thurston set up Ty Williams, who strolled over. Yet again, the conversion would prove no problem.
The Warriors came out after the break with renewed vigour, until Ashley Graham swooped on a loose pass to go near the length of the field and rip the heart out of the visitors.

The remainder of the match was almost a masochistic ritual for the Warriors. A series of botched kick off’s, bad decisions and missed tackles made them easy pickings for Thurston and Bowen, who kicked a field goal, followed by a try two minutes later. Jason Smith and Farrar also crossed.

The final insult cam two minutes from time when Ray Cashmere crashed over, albeit dubiously. Retiring centre Paul Bowman was given the honour of converting, which he duly did.

The Cowboys extend their winning streak to seven, with Manly next on the radar.