Round 8
Gold Coast Titans 10 l. North Queensland Cowboys 24

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Cowboys prosper in slippery Gold Coast
Tue May 8, 2007
What was foreseen as a freeflowing contest descended into a grinding tussle as the North Queensland Cowboys prevailed 24-10 over the Gold Coast Titans at Gold Coast Stadium tonight.

With the heavens opening up, the prospect of an enterprising game was extinguished. Instead, ball security and reducing optimistic attacking options should have become the modus operandi for both sides. In this regard, along with some excellent defence, the Cowboys were superior to the Titans, and were deserved victors.

The first points came courtesy off Johnathan Thurston finding space before passing to Matt Bowen who sped towards the tryline. A successful conversion followed by a penalty goal saw the Cowboys lead 8-0. However, some excellent diffusive work from Mat Rogers gave the Titans their first try to see the deficit cut to four. Another soft penalty close to the line allowed Thurston to duly take another gift two points. However, close to the end of the half, Thurston exploited some feeble Titans' defence on the edges, and passed in time for Rod Jensen to crash over. The ensuing conversion gave the half-time scoreline of 16-4.

The second half was yet another virtuoso exhibition from Thurston, who provided veteran Cowboys centre Paul Bowman a try out wide, followed by another successful conversion. With the rain plundering heavier, the Titans received a fresh boost as Rogers strode over for his second try along with a conversion to reduce the margin to 12; along with raising hopes of a late Titans' surge. However, increasing errors and poor completion rates from both sides resulted in many missed opportunities. A final penalty goal from Thurston put the result beyond doubt as the Cowboys won by 14 points.

Much of the focus in the pre-game was focused upon the halfback battle between the incumbent Thurston and rival Scott Prince. Save for a brief evenly-matched tussle in the first half, Thurston was superior in all aspects, setting up all three of his team's tries along with smart decisions in opting for penalty goals in tough point-scoring conditions. In contrast, Prince's creativity was severely blunted by the conditions and appeared one-dimensional without his partner-in-crime Preston Campbell. The loss of Campbell was telling, as his mercurial prowess was sorely missed when the Titans were attempting to chase the Cowboys.

On a positive note, tonight was a fantastic display from Mat Rogers, who appeared to have shaken off the rugby union traits to portray touches of brilliance. The Titans have reason to be excited that his performances will rise with time and better playing conditions.


Free Game Day Transport - Titans v Cowboys
Sat May 5, 2007
Source: www.titans.com.au

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans along with the Queensland Police force are urging fans attending Monday nights NRL match between the Titans and Cowboys to take advantage of the FREE public transport being provided.

The game which is being held at Gold Coast Stadium Carrara on Monday night, 7th May is expected to attract a large if not capacity crowd.

Jetstar Titans General Manager of Operations and Media Ian Buchanan said, "Game ticket holders can travel for free by catching a regular Surfside service to connect with Shuttle Bus services leaving from Surfers Paradise, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre, Harbour Town and Nerang Rail to get to the game. There are also free return Shuttle services after the game. For more information about the services call 13 12 30."

Inspector Jeff James of the Major Events and Planning Unit encourages fans to come along and enjoy the game but to plan ahead on how to get there.

"We urge everyone to come along and enjoy the game but our message is to plan how you intend to get to and from the game so a fun time does not become a stressful one," said Inspector James.

For those who intend to drive to the game, there are two designated parking areas:

Area 1 entrance is next to the Basketball Stadium at Gate 2 (western side of stadium).

Area 2 entrance is off Alabaster Drive which is situated on the Southern side of Broadbeach-Nerang Road. (opposite Carrara Stadium).

Patrons who park in these car parks will be directed by police to exit the car park and turn right at the completion of the game.

Inspector James said, "We remind motorists that Alabaster Drive is a no standing zone and vehicles who park on the side of the road may be ticketed or towed away at the owner's expense.

"To ensure that patrons are able to exit the car parks expediently at the completion of the game, police will conduct road closures on Broadbeach-Nerang Road during the night," said Inspector James

In order to make your night at the Rugby League as safe and hassle free as possible, Supporters are urged to following the following game day planner.

* Pre-purchase tickets through Ticketek, www.ticketmaster.com.au

* Shuttle bus locations (see details below)

* Plan your evening and use your pre-purchased game ticket to catch a bus to the shuttle bus locations

* Aim to arrive at the game at least 30 mins before kickoff at the latest

Shuttle Bus details

- Nerang Station to Carrara Stadium
Departing Nerang Rail Every 10 minutes starting 2 hours before the scheduled kick off.

- Surfers Paradise & Pacific Fair to Carrara Stadium
Event Shuttle bus service operating every 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise (50 Cavill Ave), Pacific Fair (Southern Side Bus Rank). Starting 2 hours before the scheduled kick off.

- Harbour Town Shopping Centre to Carrara Stadium
Depart Harbour Town Shopping Centre bus zone every 15 minutes, starting 2 hours before the scheduled kick off.

- Robina Town Centre to Carrara Stadium
Depart Robina Town Shopping Centre bus zone every 15 minutes, starting 2 hours before the scheduled kick off.

- Return Services
Services to Surfers Paradise, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre, Harbour Town & Nerang Rail start departing after the game finishes.

News sent by: www.titans.com.au

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