Goannas coach Craig Miller wanted this game to be played with competition intensity and the players didn’t let anyone down.

From the opening whistle Cessnock took control of the game with aggressive defence and powerful running; consequently they dominated field position and their opponents struggled to keep up.

The Goannas were first to score when young winger Joe Woodbury out-jumped the defence to score off a cross-field bomb.

South were hanging in though and after some messy play came up with their own try to take a 6-4 lead.

Cessnock struck back when evergreen prop Mark White crashed over and at half-time the Goannas led 8-6.

At the break Miller urged the players to remain patient and to keep the pressure on and the points would follow.

The goannas completely dominated the second half and further tries to Woodbury, Kerrod Holland, Reed Hugo and Dan Metcalf followed. Willie Heta kicked four goals.

Cessnock’s best on field was Geordie Connelly, who was involved in the lead-up to four of the Goannas’ tries with his powerful running game.

Others to play well were all the try scorers – Woodbury, after getting a taste of first grade last season is playing with great confidence; Holland, after a pre-season with the Knights looks to have gone to the next level, while Metcalf and White controlled the middle.

Reserve grade, after a slow start recovered to get back into the game before going down 24-16. 

Cessnock’s tries were scored by Zeb Dunstan while promising youngster Talai Alovilli crossed for three.

Alovilli is only 18 but every time he takes the field he improves and all the coaching staff have been impressed with his form.

Coach Dan Smailes was a little disappointed with the slow start but really happy with the way the team fought their way back into the game.

He praised the performance of Alovilli and Dunstan while also giving a rap to Roy Bell and returning veteran Mick Deacon, who despite limited off-season training really turned the game around.

Third grade went down 32-8 but new coach Ethan Hodson used the game to trial all available players in preparation for the opening game.

Tries were scored by Joel Hafey and Jacob Brown. Best for the team were Wally Hickling, Brent Mendyke and Mick Deacon, while completing a day for good performances from the veterans Brett Plunkett showed some wonderful offloading skills that created plenty of opportunities.

Cessnock has a break over the Easter weekend and prepares for the game that all supporters are looking forward to – the grand final rematch against arch rivals Wests on Saturday, April 11 at home. It will also be Old Boys rego day.