Manly tie up Cowboys in Cairns trial

The Manly Sea Eagles have defeated the North Queensland Cowboys 14-12 in tonight's NRL trial match in Cairns.

On the back of an impressive defensive effort, the Sea Eagles held out the Cowboys while posting a 10-0 half-time lead.

Two second half tries in six minutes saw the Cowboys storm back into the contest

But Manly centre Steve Matai's second try of the night gave the visitors a narrow two-point lead to ultimately win the match.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 12 v MANLY SEA EAGLES 14 Scorers Cowboys: S Bolton, J Smith tries. J Thurston 2 goals Scorers Sea Eagles: S Matai 2m M Orford tries. J Lyon goal

Barlow Park, Cairns, QLD Kick off: 7.30pm HALF TIME: Sea Eagles 10-0 FULL TIME: Sea Eagles 14-12

Upcoming matches 16-19 MARCH 2007 Fri 7:30 (Qld) 8:30 (NSW) - BRONCOS v COWBOYS - Suncorp Stadium Fri 7:30 - STORM v TIGERS - Olympic Park Sat 7:30 (NZ) 5:30 (NZ) - WARRIORS v EELS - Mt Smart Stadium Sat 7:30 - SEA EAGLES v RAIDERS - Brookvale Oval Sat 7:30 - SHARKS v PANTHERS - Toyota Park Sun 2:00 - KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS - EnergyAustralia Stadium Sun 3:00 - TITANS v DRAGONS - Suncorp Stadium Mon 7:00 - ROOSTERS v RABBITOHS - Aussie Stadium