The Cessnock Goannas bounced back from last week’s disappointing performance when they outclassed the highly-rated Souths with a 32-6 victory at Townson Oval on Sunday.
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Cessnock started with confidence and were rewarded in the fourth minute when Jarred Edwards received a good ball from Liam Foran and proved too powerful for the defence to score out wide.
Kerrod Holland landed a great conversion from the sideline for a 6-0 lead.
The Goannas received a penalty from the kick-off and within the next six tackles were in again when Holland ran a great inside line off Edwards. He scored out wide but missed the conversion in the difficult conditions.
Souths started to get a bit more of the ball and after sustained pressure they scored and converted.
Both teams then got their defences in order to hold each other out, but in the 23rd minute Holland threw a great cut-out ball to find an unmarked Joe Woodbury, who raced away to score an easy try again out wide.
Leading 14-6, the Goannas looked in control and continued to apply pressure, and just before half-time Zeb Dunstan ran a great line off a scrum play to go over untouched, and Holland’s conversion gave the Goannas a 20-6 lead at the break.
Cessnock coach Craig Miller was high in his praise of the whole squad, for their ball control and enthusiasm in defence; and he emphasised the importance of not giving their opponents any chance to get back in the game.
Cessnock started the second half like the first, dominating field position. Brett Stevens was next on the Goannas’ scoresheet when he followed a kick through, the fullback fumbled and Stevens scooped it up to dive over.
Souths then dominated field position and possession, but Cessnock was relentless in their defence and continually repelled them.
Right on full time Holland showed great acceleration to split the defence and score under the posts, and with the conversion the score became 32-6.
Youngster Noah Easton was voted players’ player, but coach Miller said any member of the squad was worthy.
Stevens was tremendous at hooker, while Brendan Hlad and Sam Apthorpe played tough all game.
Reserve grade put in a courageous effort but were narrowly beaten in the final minutes 22-18.
Ethan Ernst scored a hat-trick and Dylan Edwards also crossed, with Bailey Bromage landing one goal.
Ernst was voted players’ player and besides scoring three tries he had an outstanding all-round match; Cal Orchard had his best game for the year and must be very close to a first grade spot, while Jai See and Sam Wilson had solid games.
Open age were beaten 40-6; simply outclassed by a really good opponent.
In his first game of the year Alex Davey was the lone try scorer, while Wally Hickling kicked the goal, and Ryan Evans was voted players’ player.
The under-19s put in an outstanding effort to win 16-14. The side is struggling for numbers after losing a couple of players and a number of the under-17s volunteered to help out for the day, having a big influence on the outcome.
Tries were scored by Arch Dunstan, Jason Smith, and Hayden Bailey while Bailey Bromage kicked two goals. Jordan Schofield, Ben Hipwell and Jacob Brown played well and all the under-17s handled the occasion.
Cessnock will play Central at home this Saturday in a game that is really important, as a win will keep them in touch with the competition leaders Lakes. First grade kick off at 3pm.
OLD BOYS SUPPORTING LEAGUE
Cessnock’s senior and minor rugby league clubs have benefitted from the generous sponsorship of the Cessnock Rugby League Old Boys Club with the donation of a defibrillator for each organisation.
These have been proven to be life-saving devices and will be a benefit to the whole community.
Now the Old Boys have organised a night which is sure to be entertaining – television personalities and former international footballers Bryan Fletcher and Nathan Hindmarsh (Fletch and Hindy) will be special guests for a dinner and entertainment at Cessnock Leagues Club on Saturday, August 8.
Tickets for the night, including a two-course dinner, are $75 and are now available at the Leagues Club.
The club’s annual bowls day reunion on July 5 is also fast approaching. Anyone interested in attending can contact David Woodbury.