Roosters home by a whisker

The Sydney Roosters have defeated a gallant North Queensland Cowboys side by 15-14 at Aussie Stadium this afternoon following a field goal from Brad Fittler in the 72nd minute.

The Cowboys matched Roosters in all departments and at halftime it was 6-all.

The visitors eventually went down by one point but not before throwing everything at the reigning premiers.

No longer the easybeats of the competition, the Cowboys chanced their arm at every opportunity and despite having an opportunity to level the scores late in the match, they instead elected to go for the try.

Sunday 15 June 2003 Aussie Stadium Referee: Tim Mander

ROOSTERS 15 Tries: Fittler, Minichiello Goals: Fitzgibbon 3/3. Fittler Field Goal COWBOYS 14 Tries: Myles, Morrison Goals: Hannay 3/4

Leagueunlimited players of the year points: 3 - A Morley (Roosters) 2 - J Hannay (Cowboys) 1 - C Wing (Roosters)

By the clock: Kickoff!

8 min: TRY - Cowboys. David Myles scores. Josh Hannay conversion unsuccessful. Cowboys 4-0

29 min: NEWS - Roosters try disallowed by video referee. Still Cowboys 4-0

31 min: PENALTY GOAL - Cowboys. Hannay successful. Cowboys 6-0

33 min: TRY - Roosters. Brad Fittler scores following a Ryan Cross intercept. Conversion Craig Fitzgibbon successful. 6-all

HALF TIME

47 min: TRY - Cowboys. Glenn Morrison scores. Conversion Hannay. Cowboys 12-6

54 min: TRY - Roosters. Anthony Minichiello scores. Conversion Fitzgibbon successful. 12-all

58 min: PENALTY GOAL - Roosters. Fitzgibbon successful. Roosters 14-12

65 min PENALTY GOAL - Cowboys. Hannay. 14-all

72 min: FIELD GOAL - Roosters. Fittler. Roosters 15-14

76 min: NEWS - Josh Hannay pulls off a try saving tackle to keep the Cowboys in the match.

FULL TIME: Roosters have won by one point against a gallant Cowboys side. The game was there for the taking.