The Goannas were ordinary in the first half, as were Maitland but it was the Pickers who regrouped following the half time break to take out the local derby.

Cessnock looked anything but comfortable when it took to the field for the round 14 clash. Out were Ryan Gregory, Adam Withyman, Mick O’Shea and Claude Gordon, injured, although a determined Brendan Hlad took to his place replacing the late withdrawal of O’Shea.

Maitland scoring first and Cessnock’s efforts were not aided with some bad ball control resulting in a lot of defensive work.

It was Cessnock’s turn to attack the Maitland line going close to crossing a couple of times before Joby Patten crossed alongside the uprights.

Cessnock continued playing ordinary football and Maitland kept a permanent base around Cessnock’s try line, ultimately breaking the Goannas' defensive line and scoring their second try for a half time score of 10-6.

Maitland hit the second half with purpose resulting in a converted try and a 16-6 lead. A good set to the Goannas following a penalty resulted in Chris Pyne’s seventeenth try for the season and Patten’s second conversion to take the score to 16-12 Maitland’s way and 30 minutes left on the clock, time enough for the Cessnock team to win the game, but it was Maitland who crossed under the posts.

Maitland added another try to take the score to 28-16. A consolation try to Cessnock’s Luke Gardner saw the score 30-20 Maitland’s way.