The game was lost for the Goannas in the first half when they let the Rosellas run up an 18-0 lead.

Cessnock put in a courageous effort but were playing into their opponents hands by going one out, enabling the well-drilled defence to shut them down.

Wests made the most of their opportunities, scoring their first two tries from cross-field kicks and the third from a speculative pass; and also converted every try from out wide.

Cessnock coach Craig Miller remained positive at the break, stating Wests had taken their chances and if the Goannas were prepared to do the same points would come.

Wests kicked an early penalty to extend their lead to 20-0, but from then on it was all Cessnock.

Joe Woodbury was first to score in the 46th minute when he finished off a smart backline play and crossed out wide.

The Goannas then bombarded Wests’ try-line but it took until the 68th minute for them to score again, when Reed Hugo touched down after some good offloading between the Metcalf brothers Dan and Shaun, who combined with Cal Orchard and he got a great pass away.

Willie Heta’s conversion made the score 20 to 10 and it was game on.

The Goannas applied more pressure and were again rewarded when Alec Fata charged over out wide. The conversion missed and it was 20-14 with five minutes remaining, but Cessnock had left their run too late.

Players’ player went to outstanding young prop Noah Easton, while experienced forwards Fata and Metcalf both had their best games of the season.

Hugo continues to gain confidence with every game he plays and is handling his first year in grade football really well.

The loss means the Goannas drop from first to third, and every game is crucial if they are to finish in the all-important top three spot.

Reserve grade came up with their best effort of the year when they defeated the competition leaders 10-6 in what turned out to be a brutal encounter.

This team is playing with great belief in themselves and a lot of the credit has to go to coach Dan Smailes.

Wests beat them 38-6 in the first round so it has been a remarkable turnaround.

Dylon Edwards was voted players’ player but it could have gone to any of the squad.

Cessnock’s tries were scored by Edwards and Orchard while Brent Mendyke kicked a great conversion from the sideline.

Open grade are still chasing their first win after they were beaten 35-18.

They were again competitive in patches but poor discipline at vital stages again cost them.

Players’ player went to Arch Dunstan who at times was virtually unstoppable, scoring two tries.

Corey Mead also scored a try, and Tory Neville and Mead kicked the goals.

Cessnock will play Maitland at home this Saturday, while on Sunday it will be the annual bowls day.

The sports dinner with Fletch and Hindy has been changed to Friday, August 21.

The Cessnock Rugby League club lost a great servant with the passing of Brian Davey last week and the club would like to offer its condolences to his wife Alison and all the family.

“Men of his ilk have made the club what it is today and we will be forever indebted to him,” Goannas president David Woodbury said.