Toyota Cowboys back Javid Bowen collected a double as the Northern Pride overwhelmed the CQ Capras 42-4 in Cairns on Saturday night to remain on track for the Intrust Super Cup minor premiership.
The Pride were overwhelming favourites to post a comfortable victory in their pursuit of a second straight minor premiership, but led just 6-4 after 37 minutes in an error-ridden first half.
Playing in the centres, Bowen’s first try came in the 12th minute when he finished off a break from ex-Cowboy Blake Leary, and he followed up with another on the hour-mark as part of a five-try, second-half blitz from the home team.
The Pride blew out the winning margin with three four-pointers in the last 12 minutes including a try to North Queensland’s Kyle Feldt.
The Cowboy provided the final points on the night, landing a penalty goal from the halfway line on the siren to seal the Pride’s 13th win of the year.
There should be a huge crowd at Barlow Park this weekend for the Pride’s Sunday afternoon clash with the PNG Hunters – the first official visit by the competition’s newest club to their nearest neighbours.
Mackay Cutters had a bye at the weekend and will shoot for their third straight victory when they host Norths Devils on Saturday.
NORTHERN PRIDE 42 (Javid Bowen 2, Sam Obst 2, Kyle Feldt, Jason Roos, Tyrone McCarthy tries; Shaun Nona 6, Kyle Feldt goals) def CQ CAPRAS 4 (Gavin Hiscox try) at Barlow Park.
