Hobbling Cowboys still get Sharks 24-4

July 5, 2009

Despite being hampered by 3 injuries including key man Luke O’Donnell, the Cowboys still managed a strong victory over the Sharks 24-4 as they fight to force their way into the NRL Top 4 prior to the end of the regular season.

Things didn’t look good for the Cowboys early, with hooker Payne struck down with a rotator cuff problem after 10 minutes and NSW rep O’Donnell going off after a grade 1-2 medial ligament strain to his knee.

With the Sharks you can expect an arm wrestle in most games and this was no different, the scores locked at 0-0 come half time. The first points of the came coming 3 minutes into the second half through flanker John Williams, getting the homeside out of the blocks.

But as usual with Cronulla, even with a glut of possession the side failed to post any points in the period of the match when they were on top. Coach Ricky Stuart confirming after the game that a 15 minute spell by Thurston after half time set the Cowboys up for a cosy win.

Stuart going further saying, if you put JT in the Sharks team – they would have won comfortably.

As the Cowboys looked to be getting run down as injuries set in, they were boosted by some Matt Bowen magic – the diminutive back scoring twice in the space of 4 minutes to break the spirit of the Cronulla side and ensure the home crowd would get the win.

The final nail in the coffin coming through Ty Williams, scoring late to rub further salt in the Sharks wounds.



Written by NRL News · Filed Under NRL Results 

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