The North Queensland Cowboys proved too strong for the Knights on Saturday night defeating the home side 32 points to 12.

The first 10 minutes of the game was looking good for the Knights with Timana Tahu and Neville Costigan both crossing the try line only to be held up. But it was third time lucky for the Knights when fullback Darius Boyd made a break to set up Junior Sa’u for the first try of the game. The visitors hit back in similar fashion with two disallowed tries then with their third attempt winger Ashley Graham scored in the corner. Former test centre Brent Tait showed he still has what it takes with a break to set up the Cowboys second try with halfback Ray Thompson scoring untouched. Knights back rower Chris Houston got the Knights back in the game just before half time with a try and Tyrone Roberts converted the try to level the scores at half time.

The score remained 12 all well into the second half until Jonathan Thurston began to stamp his authority on the game. Michael Morgan scored in the 60th minute then shortly after Ashley Graham grabbed his second try thanks to a brilliant pass from Thurston.

Cowboy’s fullback Matt Bowen could have had a try of his own close to full time but was denied by Darius Boyd. The Cowboys where awarded a penalty right in front of the posts and Jonathan Thurston added the extras to extend their lead to 14 points and to put the game out of reach for the Knights. As the final seconds counted down the Cowboys scored their 5th try of the evening. Gavin Coopers try involved 4 kicks in general play. Although the try did not come from the home side, the try with all those kicks seemed fitting since the Jets are back.

The Cowboys picked up their 6th win of the season while the Knights lost their second game in a row. Without Buderus, Gidley and Edwards, the boys put up a brave fight against a strong Cowboys side. In the Toyota Cup game earlier it could not be split with a 28 all draw. Another good crowd of 18,191 fans turned up in coolish conditions at Hunter Stadium. Fingers crossed the knights can get back into the winners circle in two weeks’ time when they host the Gold Coast Titans at Hunter Stadium on Saturday 26th May.