The Goannas began enthusiastically and were dominating their opponents. They were the first to score when Brendan Hlad charged onto a short pass from Chris Adams to score next to the posts, and Alec Fata converted for a 6-0 lead.

Cessnock continued to pressure Maitland and were again the next to score when in the 17th minute Shaun Metcalf dived on a knock back out wide from Chris Pyne.

Leading 10-0, the game looked to be there for the taking but Cessnock relaxed and Maitland got a run of possession, and in the space of five minutes scored two quick tries to level the scores.

Then with half time approaching, Hlad showed the benefit of hard running when he split the defence and raced 20 minutes to score.

The home side went to the break leading 16-10; and this scoreline probably flattered Maitland as Cessnock were dominating everywhere except on the scoreboard.

The game did not take long to turn around though, when in the first minute after half time Maitland put up a bomb, the ball bounced back into their arms and they sprinted 40 metres to level the scores.

Cessnock responded with some good attack and player-of-the-match Kori Barber twice made long breaks but play broke down on the final pass when tries went begging.

Maitland took what little chances they were presented and were the next to score, taking a 20-16 lead.

Panic then crept into the Goannas’ play and they were pushing passes instead of building pressure, which led to more dropped ball and letting Maitland off the hook.

With time running out, Maitland scored two late tries and won the match 30-16.

“The Goannas can only blame themselves for the loss as when they did the basics right they were in control, but in the second half they completed their sets at 50 per cent and failed to score a point,” club president David Woodbury said.

Cessnock coach Steve Kidd was disappointed with the result but he said the players themselves would be experienced enough to know they cost themselves the victory.

Kori Barber was voted players’ player in what was probably his best game since coming into grade football.

Not far behind him though was Chris Adams, whose work during the match was outstanding; and Brendan Hlad, who on top of scoring two tries worked hard all day and with his experience showing is now a consistent threat in attack, with some smart line running.

It was a big day for two of last season’s under-18s – Jacob Garland and Brendan Williams made their first grade debuts and although the result wasn’t what they had hoped for it was still a great achievement to be playing first grade at such a young age.

Reserve grade played great footy and were unlucky to go down 22-20.

Woodbury said several controversial decisions went against the team and it was a credit to them to finish so close.

Brett Stevens in his first year as coach had an outstanding game, well-supported by Matt Crump who has made a comeback after several seasons out of the game, and Jason Orr and Jackson Roe also had strong games.

Tries were scored by Stevens (two), Ryan Evans and Tom Cremona while Orr kicked two goals.

The under-23s were beaten 20-10 in an undisciplined display with poor ball control and unnecessary penalties.

Players’ player went to a new player to the club, Ryan Evans, who had an impressive first game and looks to have a good future.

Coach Steve Dunstan was disappointed with the attitude of his players more than the result and said if they fix up their attitude results will follow.

Tries were scored by Murray Howard and Dean Wearing with Brent Mendyk kicking a conversion.

The under-18s put in a disciplined effort and defeated last season’s premiers 26-16.

Cessnock played some really well-controlled football, conceding only two penalties and completing their sets at around 75 per cent.

Liam Mears was players’ player and played really well at dummy half; not far behind was Bailey Bromage, whose work rate in both attack and defence was great.

Jason Smyth at fullback saved two certain tries with great defence and kept the team in the match.

Tries were scored by Jo Lesnik, Liam Mears, Jake Burton, Jacob Brown and Reed Hugo and Bailey Bromage landed three goals.

The Goannas travel to Cahill Oval to play Lakes on Thursday night; first game at 6pm.