Broncos win again in FNQ

The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the North Queensland Cowboys 32-24 tonight at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

The victory notches up Brisbane's 12th win with the Cowboys yet to defeat the Broncos.

The North Queensland side started off well and following a try to Glenn Morrison - the Cowboys held an 8-0 lead after just 7 minutes.

The Broncos got on the board with a try to Tonie Carroll who dominated the right side flank. Brent Tate scored again and in the 20th minute and the Broncos hit the front.

Following some end to end footy, the home side struck back to recapture the lead in the 20th minute when Brenton Bowen scored following some sharp close range work from brother Matt.

But the visitors were not to be denied and following tries to Ben Ikin and Corey Parker, the Broncos went into half time holding a handy 22-14 lead.

The turning point of the match came shortly after the break with Tonie Carroll scoring his second try and giving the Broncos a 26-14 lead.

The Cowboys scored a late try and showed plenty of enterprise throughout the match with some impressive individual performances. But at the end of the night they were simply outclassed by an all-round team effort from the Broncos.

League Unlimited player of the year awards: 3 - T Carroll (Broncos) 2 - M Bowen (Cowboys) 1 - L McWilliams (Cowboys)

Saturday 5 April 2003 Dairy Farmers Stadium Ref: Sean Hampstead Penalties: Cowboys 7-4 Crowd: 25,242

Scorers: Cowboys 24 Tries: Morrison, B Bowen, McWilliams, Myles Goals: Hannay 4/4, B Bowen 0/1 defeated by Broncos 32 Tries: Carroll 2, Parker 2, Tate, Ikin Goals: De Vere 4/7

By the clock: A fine night in FNQ for the Qld 'local' derby. The Broncos installed as firm favourites. Great scenes with up to 100 Cheer leaders as well as fireworks as part of the pre-match entertainment. Temperature 27 degrees C. Humidity 72% following earlier rain. Possibility of some rain later on but fine at the moment. 15,000-20,000 in attendance in Townsville. Kick off!

4 min: PENALTY GOAL - Cowboys. Josh Hannay kicks a two pointer 15m right of the posts. Follows impressive opening play from the home side with the Broncos forced into conceding a penalty. Cowboys 2-0

7 min: TRY - Cowboys. Glenn Morrison awarded try following video ref scrutiny. Morrison deemed to have just beaten Michael De Vere (Broncos) to the ball. Broncos looking rattled. Conversion from in front Hannay. Cowboys 8-0

10 min: TRY - Broncos. Tonie Carroll dominating down the right hand side to score a four pointer. Conversion De Vere a ripper! Cowboys 8-6

16 min: TRY - Broncos. Brent Tate scores near the posts. Conversion De Vere. Broncos hit the front 12-8

20 min: TRY - Cowboys. Brenton Bowen scores after Matt Bowen shows too much pace to get through the line from close range. Conversion Hannay. Cowboys back in front 14-12

24 min: TRY - Broncos. Another sizzling try. Ben Ikin scoring under the sticks following lead up work from Tate and Chris Muckert. Conversion De Vere. Broncos 18-12

35 min: TRY - Broncos. Corey Parker scores in the corner following some great lead up work from Carroll who drew in the defence and passed inside. Conversion De Vere unsuccessful. Broncos 22-14

HALF TIME: Cowboys starting well but Broncos getting on top. A fast paced first half. Sometimes exciting attacking footy from both sides with Cowboys being let down by a few too many missed tackles. For the locals, the highlight of the half was the try from Brenton Bowen who combined with brother Matt. Broncos 22-14

49 min: TRY - Broncos. Carroll scores on the back of a good backline movement which is proving too good for the defence. Conversion De Vere from out wide is unsuccessful. Bronco 26-14

53 min: TRY - Cowboys. Leigh McWilliams scores under posts following a fundamental handling error from Broncos fullback Darren Lockyer, just 8m from his line. Conversion Hannay. Broncos 26-20

62 min: TRY - Broncos. Parker gets a second try following some sustained pressure and a Cowboys error. Conversion De Vere. Broncos 32-20

77 min: PENALTY GOAL attempt De Vere (Broncos) unsuccessful.

80 min: TRY - Cowboys. David Myles scores a consolation try in the corner. Conversion Brenton Bowen unsuccessful. Broncos 32-24

FULLTIME: Broncos win 32-24

Broncos v Cowboys. Broncos 12 wins to nil over the Cowboys plus two draws. North Queensland still winless against Brisbane.