Cowboys saddle Bulldogs with their
first loss of 2005

Fulltime score: Round 2 COWBOYS 24 v BULLDOGS 12

Match summary: The North Queensland Cowboys have put together a tremndous 80 minutes of football to defeat reigning premiers the Bulldogs by 24-12 in Townsville tonight.

In front of a packed house at Dairy Farmers Stadium, the Cowboys outplayed the visitors across the park to lead 12-6 at half time.

The anticipated comeback from the Bulldogs was shortlived as the North Queenslanders went further ahead in the 52nd minute. The Cowboys scored again and they held a handy 24-6 lead with eight minutes to go.

A late try to the Bulldogs made it a 12 point ball game, the Cowboys winning four tries to two and their first victory over the Bulldogs at home.

Scorers: COWBOYS 24 Tries: J Hannay, M Bowen, C Webb, P Bowman Goals: Hannay 4/7 BULLDOGS 12 Tries: S Williams, El Mazri Goals: El Mazri 2/2

Dairy Farmers Stadium Referee: Stephen Clark

By the clock: We continue to wait for kick of at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

1st min: Kick Off!!!

4th min: Penalty to Cowboys and Hannay misses. Score remains 0-0.

8th min: Another penalty to the Cowboys and this time Hannay converts. Cowboys 2-0.

12th Min: Try-Cowboys. The Cowboys score the first try through Josh Hannay after a great pass from Johnathan Thurston. Hannay converts his own try and the Cowboys lead 8-0.

20th Min: Try-Cowboys. Try to Matt Bowen after a kick down field. Matt Utai loses the ball after a great tackle by Thurston and Bowen goes in for an easy try. Hannay misses and it remains Cowboys 12-0.

23rd min: Sonny Bill is on the field!

30th Min: Try-Bulldogs. Sonny Bill gets the Dogs first try after some magical work but he made it look easy. El Mazri converts as the rain starts to pour. Cowboys 12-6.

Halftime: The Cowboys lead the Bulldogs 12-6 at Halftime. Stay with us for all the action of the 2nd Half.

42nd Min: No Try for the Cowboys after a look at the Video Ref. 12-6 Cowboys.

45th Min: Utai streaking down the field but what a great tackle by Rod Jensen to take him into touch.

52nd Min: Try-Cowboys. Carl Webb scores a great try to give the Cowboys a bigger lead. Hannay misses it. Cowboys 16-6. Are they going to get their first victory of the season against the Premiers?

59th Min: No Try to the Bulldogs after Sonny Bill almost went over for another one. Cowboys 16-6.

62nd Min: Penalty to the Cowboys and Hannay makes no mistake. Cowboys 18-6.

70th Min: Ten Minutes left and the Cowboys still lead 18-6.

72nd Min: Try-Cowboys. The Cowboys have got this match after a try to Paul Bowman as the Cowboys spread the ball outwide. Hannay converts. Cowboys 24-6.

78th Min: Try-Bulldogs. Hazem El Mazri gets the Bulldogs second try of the game after some good lead up play. El Mazri converts his own try. 24-12 Cowboys.

Fulltime: The Cowboys have defeated the Bulldogs 24-12 after a great performence. Thanks for joining us tonight. ----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - C Webb (Cowboys) 2 - J Hannay (Cowboys) 1 - M Bowen (Cowboys) -----------------------------------------