Cowboys upset Titans at home

The North Queensland Cowboys have scored a comprehensive 34-18 victory over the Gold Coast Titans in front of 20,315 fans at Skilled Park, handing the Titans their first home defeat of the 2009 season.

Both sides began at a cracking pace with plenty of attack but it was the Cowboys who were able to claim the early lead somewhat against the run of play after an intercept by John Williams set up the field position for Matt Bowen to claim his 100th Cowboys try. Williams was able to claim a try of his own shortly afterwards and the outsiders suddenly had an unexpected 10-point lead.

The Titans nearly hit back with Kevin Gordon looking certain to score in the corner before that man Bowen flew in and knocked Gordon into the corner post at the last possible second. From there it only got worse for the home side as the Cowboys twisted the knife with two further tries before halftime, opening up a formidable 22-0 lead.

Obviously the Titans needed to score first after the break to give themselves any chance and they obliged with Kevin Gordon finishing off a nice kick from William Zillman to get the home team on the board, but the Cowboys swiftly ended any slim hopes of a comeback with two quick tries in response. With just under 20 minutes left on the clock the Cowboys had opened up a 34-6 lead - effectively game over - before slowing down on attack and protecting their lead as the final siren approached. The Titans were able to score two late consolation tries as the Cowboys began to tire with the match drawing to a close.

Two-try-hero Matt Bowen and captain Johnathan Thurston were simply outstanding tonight and if they continue this sort of form there won