The Goannas will face Wests in the decider at No. 1 Sportsground, Newcastle on Sunday at 3pm.

It will be Cessnock’s fifth grand final appearance in seven years and third against Wests in that time, with the previous two encounters resulting in two-point losses for the Goannas.

The Coalfields boys will be vying for their first premiership since 2003.

Cessnock has been playing sudden-death football for about six weeks now and regardless of how close the scores get, they have remained composed and have come through in the end.

They could not have got off to a worse start on Sunday when after only four minutes there was confusion in catching a high ball and Souths regathered to score a converted try.

Souths were controlling the play well in the hot conditions and the Goannas were struggling to go with them.

The Lions gained back-to-back sets and scored out wide for a 10-0 lead.

At this stage the game was in danger of slipping away from Cessnock but they started to gain a bit more possession and after sustained pressure Al Lantry managed to just cross the line for a much-needed try and Joel Brown converted for a 10-6 scoreline.

By this stage of the game both teams were beginning to tire and cracks were appearing in the defence.

Chris Pyne came in off his wing looking for work and was able to make a great break and find Brendan Williams supporting on the inside to race away and score to level the scores.

At the half time break, Goannas coach Steve Kidd was positive about the team’s effort but a little concerned with the lack of ball security in the hot conditions.

He impressed upon the team the need to build pressure on South, as they had done little work in defence and by controlling the ball and kicking well, momentum would swing the Goannas’ way.

The second half started with both teams threatening to make some breaks, but the defence of both sides managed to hold on.

After 15 minutes of good control and strong defence, Cessnock was next to score when Joel Brown dummied and raced past some tired defenders to give the Goannas the lead for the first time in the match at 16-10.

Souths were not ready to give up just yet and after consecutive sets they levelled the score with 29 minutes remaining.

Pyne looked like he was going to score the match-winner until the South fullback pulled off a great tackle.

But after sustained pressure Goannas captain Riley Brown slotted over a field with five minutes remaining to break the deadlock.

Then right on the bell, Joel Brown kicked another field goal for an 18-16 win.

Shaun Metcalf had a sensational game in both attack and defence and some of the hits he did in defence had the grandstand rocking.

Al Lantry again led the way in the forwards while Geordie Connelly continued his good recent form.

The under-18s went down to Maitland 30-16, which was a little disappointing but nevertheless they have had an outstanding season.

They began slowly and were behind by 8-0 early in the game but they struck back when Jarrod Smith made a great break from half way and Jason Smith supported well to score out wide.

Cessnock again made fundamental errors and Maitland scored for a 12-4 lead.

But the Goannas stayed positive and after enjoying good field position Liam Mears was able to combine with Tate See for him to score under the posts and close the gap to 12-10.

Maitland again scored right on half time for a 16-10 lead.

A lack of ball security cost Cessnock early in the second half and Maitland went ahead 22-10. But Arch Dunstan was able to regather a kick to score a converted try to close the scores to 22-16.

Maitland scored two late tries to finish 30-16.

All the Cessnock boys tried hard with Tate See, Dan Jurd, Reed Hugo and Sam Apthorpe standing out. The team would like to thank Buy Sell Pawn at Cessnock for their sponsorship.