The Cowboys continued to flex their considerable muscle in their second match on day one of the Downer NRL Auckland Nines, demolishing the Raiders 35-6 in game 15 of the tournament.

 


First-half tries to Kyle Feldt, Javid Bowen and Gideon Gela-Mosby - who produced the best finish of day one with a flying effort in the far corner - saw the Cowboys up 14-0 at the break.

Newcastle-bound whizz kid Kalyn Ponga had already played key roles in the Cowboys' second and third tries, and scored the fourth himself after slicing through to the bonus zone from 40 metres and converting from in front of the sticks.

Inside the final five minutes Gela-Mosby went over for his fifth try in two games and Ponga secured his double.

A late Raiders try to Thomas Cronan would have done little to numb Canberra's pain, but their finals hopes remain alive heading into day two.  

Cowboys 35 (Gideon Gela-Mosby 2, Kalyn Ponga, 2 Kyle Feldt, Javid Bowentries; 4 goals) def. Raiders 6 (Thomas Cronan try; 1 goal). Half-time: 14-0.