Barba's Bulldogs defeat Cowboys

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have fought through the Cowboys with a late raid to bring up a 32-18 victory at full time in front of 15,650 at ANZ Stadium.

Josh Reynolds was instrumental with the boot tonight to guide the Bulldogs to a number of tries. The Bulldogs first points were posted as Ben Barba displayed his speed after taking a great pass from Reynolds. Bulldogs leaders 6-0 after 13 minutes.

After a back and forth contest, the Cowboys found a set on the goal line as Matt Bowen provided a lovely grubber kick through the line to put Kane Linnett's name on the board. Johnathan Thurston from beside the uprights nailed the kick, game locked at 6-all after 19 minutes.

The Bulldogs found their groove to score a further two tries in the first forty minutes. Master class fullback Ben Barba found open space again with the broken play created by James Graham from a scrum play. Barba raced away for his second try of the match to give the Bulldogs a six point lead.

A visit to the video referee minutes later saw Krisnan Inu awarded his own try as he fought in the contest to somehow plant down the Steeden. The flow of possession with the Bulldogs as they held an 18-6 lead at the half time break.