Defensive grit secures important win for the Red V

v BYE

The Cowboys looked certain to run out winners with peppering attacking raids, yet in the end it was the Dragons defensive bravery that saw them hold on for an important 14-10 win at WIN Stadium tonight in front of 10,000 fans.

The Dragons took full advantage of a depleted Cowboys early on, appearing the more enthusiastic and energetic of the two sides. The hosts looked settled in the opening minutes, with Jason Nightingale running over the Cowboys to claim the first points.

North Queensland slowly warmed into the game, but the Dragons dominated possession in the opening fifteen off a healthy penalty count. Off the back of this possession, the Dragons would perfect a set play with Kurt Mann crossing for a beautiful try in the corner.

The following ten minutes would present opportunities aplenty for both sides, but defensive resilience denied scoring efforts at both ends of the frosty Wollongong ground. Completion rates however, were very impressive in the opening half-hour, with the Cowboys completing at 100% and the Dragons at 93%. The Cowboys earned back-to-back penalties but solid Dragons defence would hold them out! The possession continued to swing the visitors' way and Kyle Feldt got them back in it with a spectacular aerial effort to get his side on the board.

Whoever scored first in the second half would go a long way to deciding this one and a drop from Tim Lafai saw Cowboys' five-eighth Jahrome Hughes barge over for a try on debut. The Cowboys would go close several time, with a Jake Granville scoot opening up the Dragons defence and securing a subsequent goal line drop out. Yet, the Dragons held firm. Gareth Widdop's running game threatened, but Euan Aitken would be the player to cross for the Dragons third of the night in the 62nd minute.

North Queensland continued to pepper the Dragons' line, with constant goal line drop outs and the rampaging Jason Taumalolo giving the Cowboys great field position. But in the end, the defence of the Red V really stood tall. The Cowboys were threatening for the final ten minutes, particularly in the air, but the defensive grit the Dragons are well known for got them home tonight.

Next week the Dragons have the bye, securing another two points - while the Cowboys have a good chance to bounce back against the struggling Knights at 1300Smiles Stadium on Saturday evening.