Manly come from behind

The Manly Sea Eagles have beaten the North Queensland Cowboys 24-20 at Dairy Farmers Stadium in a strong second half performance.

The first half told a story of missed chances. Manly in particular had great field position but failed to cross the line while North Queensland were unable to capitalise on several breaks.

Tries to Williams and Sheppard as well as a penalty goal to Josh Hannay saw the Cowboys go into the break in a strong position at 14-0.

The second half was to be one of stark contrast. The Sea Eagles put on five unanswered tries to put the game out of the Cowboys reach and secure a great come from behind win.

Leagueunlimited Players of the match: 3 - P Stephenson (Sea Eagles) 2 - J Mullane (Sea Eagles) 1 - T Williams (Cowboys)

Dairy Farmers Stadium, Crowd: Referee: Tony Archer Video Referee: Mick Lewis

Scorers: COWBOYS Tries: Williams, Sheppard, Bowman Goals: Hannay 4/5 SEA EAGLES Tries: Donald, Harris, Stephenson, Walker, Mullane Goals: Hicks 2/6

By the clock: 0 min: Kickoff!

5th min: NEWS - The Cowboys have had to absorb early pressure on their own line.

12th min: NEWS - It's been all attack from both sides early on with Manly spending long periods of time in the Cowboys half.

16th min: TRY - Cowboys. After a big break from their own line, the Cowboys spread it out wide for Williams to sprawl over in the corner. Josh Hannay slots one from the sideline - Cowboys 6-0.

19th min: NEWS - Paul Rauhihi has been put on report for an indiscretion in the scrum.

22nd min: TRY - Cowboys. From the scrum Chris Sheppard went straight through the line and under the posts to score. Josh Hannay converts - Cowboys 12-0.

27th min: NEWS - The Sea Eagles continue to get good field position but are failing to capitalise.

34th min: NEWS - Quite a few mistakes creeping into this game as both teams start to tire in the North Queensland heat towards the end of the half.

36th min: NO TRY - Matt Sing made great ground to get to a kick but knocked on in the in-goal.

39th min: PENALTY GOAL - Manly are penalised and the Cowboys elect to take a shot at goal. Josh Hannay's kick is successful - Cowboys 14-0.

40th min: HALF TIME - It's been a half of missed opportunities for both sides but the Cowboys take a comfortable lead into the break. Half time score - Cowboys 14 Sea Eagles 0

41st min: The second half is underway!

45th min: TRY - Sea Eagles. Manly spread it wide into the hands of Walker who drew in defenders before releasing Scott Donald to score. Hicks fails to convert - Cowboys 14-4.

51st min: TRY - Sea Eagles. Andrew Walker threw an over the top ball that found Stephenson who popped the ball out the back for Sam Harris to score. Hicks conversion attempt hits the post - Cowboys 14-8.

58h min: TRY - Sea Eagles. On the last tackle Paul Stephenson went over from dummy half to score. Chris Hicks conversion is successful - 14 all.

63rd min: TRY - Sea Eagles. Jye Mullane popped up a beautiful ball for Andrew Walker to run on to and score. Chris Hicks kick hits the post again - Sea Eagles 18-14.

66th min: PENALTY GOAL - Sea Eagle. Michael Luck was put on report for a high tackle and the Sea Eagles were given a penalty right out in front. Chris Hicks slotted the two points - Sea Eagles 20-14.

73rd min: TRY - Sea Eagles. Jye Mullane drifted across the field before going through a big hole and scoring what could be the winning try. Hicks misses another kick - Sea Eagles 24-14.

78th min: TRY - Cowboys. Paul Bowman bounced off several players to score in the corner and keep the Cowboys hopes alive. Josh Hannay converts from the sideline - Sea Eagles 24-20.

FULL TIME - It's been a great second half for the Sea Eagles getting them a surprise win. Full time score - Sea Eagles 24 Cowboys 20