The Goannas turned in a disappointing, rather lethargic effort against a very enthusiastic Pickers outfit at Maitland on Saturday. The Pickers led all day despite the Goeys staying in touch for most of the game.

Cessnock suffered its worst injury problem of the year with Ryan Gregory (broken hand), Mick O’Shea (shoulder), Adam Withyman (broken hand) and Claude Gordon (family funeral) all missing the game. From the outset the Goeys seemed to lack the quick ball movement that has been a feature of their play this year and an early Picker score put the Maitland side on the way to victory. The Goey defence worked hard and none worked harder than Brendan Hlad, who had played despite still recovering from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for three weeks.

Coach Todd Edwards took some of the blame as he had given his players a “light week” after a rugged game against Central the previous week. Edwards also warned other clubs against taking Maitland too lightly as he found them to be full of experience mingled with youth and pace.

Cessnock’s coaching job is up for grabs next year and always applicants are bidding for it. Two former good players, Riley Brown (Knights) and James Feeney (Canterbury Bulldogs) have put forward their names.

The Kurri Bulldogs final aspirations received a blow when the side was trounced by Central to the tune of 42-12. Central, who was thumped 48-16 by the Goannas only a week ago, apparently found the form we know they have sometimes hidden away. They have a number of very quick and clever players who, when they click, as they often do at St. John Oval, can mix it with any club.

The Bulldogs have only one of the top four to play and that is Cessnock whereas Central has West and Wyong. This would suggest that both sides could finish equal.

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The Knights went down to the Cowboys in Townsville in a gold point game. The Cowboys held a good lead into the final stages but a brave fight back by the Knights gave them a draw but a try in golden point time gave the points to the home side. Thus the Knights slim play off hope is gone.