Raiders claim crucial points with win over Cowboys in Townsville

A six again call 10 months in the making has helped Canberra to a crucial 14-12 win over the Cowboys in Townsville.

Cowboy Ben Hampton is crushed by Canberra’s Curtis Scott. Picture: Alix Sweeney

A six again call 10 months in the making has helped Canberra to a crucial 14-12 win over the Cowboys in Townsville.

Down by four points, the Raiders were awarded a set restart by old foe Ben Cummins which led to a Curtis Scott try from the ensuing set.

It was little comfort given what happened against the Roosters last year, but it proved to be a telling moment on Saturday as the Green Machine did just enough to claim two vital competition points.

You could hear the screams coming from the nation’s capital when Cummins awarded the Cowboys what would have been a game-tying penalty goal from in front, but a terrific captain’s challenge saved any potential drama when Dunamis Lui was ruled onside.

The Cowboys played with plenty of spirit but they were let down by poor execution at the business end of the field.

You could only laugh on Saturday when referee Cummins restarted the tackle count when who else but Jack Wighton was held down late in the set with his side trailing 12-8.

A few plays later, the Raiders crossed through the returning Curtis Scott before Jarrod Croker converted to give his side a lead that they were never going to surrender.

Reason to sweat?

It wasn’t just the humidity that had Josh Papalii sweating bullets, with the representative star placed on report after his forearm made contact with the head of Cowboys fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow early in the second half.

The tackle was innocuous, but there’s no doubt the match review committee will look at it closely given the need to protect the head.

“He won’t have a case to answer. I don’t think he’ll be suspended for that,” Fox League commentator Braith Anasta said.

It’s not binding, but the saying goes that possession is nine-tenths of the law. Sadly, no one told the Cowboys. The best teams cherish the Steeden like their lives depend on it, but for some reason, North Queensland’s modus operandi was kick, kick and kick again.

It’s a great tactic in the wet, but putting boot to ball early in the tackle count for no good reason isn’t going to get you many wins. Anasta was miffed by the ploy that reaped no rewards against the Raiders.

In the first half alone, the hosts kicked early in the count at every opportunity, with one Ben Hampton chip going dead. You can only hope they play with more poise when skipper Michael Morgan returns next week.

A shocking kick by Jake Clifford 10 minutes into the second half would have had Josh Hannay reconsidering his career choices, but they finally went back to their biggest strength with powerhouse Jason Taumalolo smashing through in their next set.

Taking the Bate

John Bateman showed why he is regarded as one of the best back-rowers in the world with an 80-minute performance in his first game of the season. The Wigan-bound star showed no signs of rust, finishing the contest with 151 metres, 30 tackles and a try assist.

COWBOYS 12 (Tries: Robson, Taumalolo & Goals: Feldt 2/2) Raiders 14 (Tries: Williams, Scott & Goals: Croker 3/3) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.

The Daily Telegraph