The Goannas needed to bounce back after last week’s loss to Wests and things weren't looking good when the Pickers scored a converted try in the first minute of play.

This seemed to liven up the Goannas and they responded in their next set. Liam Foran put a nice chip kick down the short side; Jarred Edwards regathered to combine with Joe Woodbury to make a line break, and Foran supported on the inside to score a great try, which Willie Heta converted.

The game was then punctuated with numerous penalties and neither team really found their rhythm.

Cessnock finally cracked the Maitland defence when Heta put in a nice cross-field kick for Brendan Williams to regather and score in the corner. Heta kicked a great conversion from the sideline for a 12-6 lead at half-time.

At the break Goannas coach Craig Miller was critical of the team’s intensity and warned that Maitland would play some non-conventional football, so they needed to be prepared to work hard or face the prospect of a defeat.

The second stanza was only in its fourth minute when Miller’s words rang true and the Pickers scored out wide.

The Goannas controlled the next passage of the game and were rewarded when Dan Metcalf regathered a cross-field kick after it hit the upright and he scored under the posts.

Now leading 18-10, Cessnock continued to build pressure and were next to score when Edwards proved too powerful for the defence and crossed out wide.

The Pickers were not to be denied and they struck back with another converted try for a 22-16 score line.

Foran sealed the win with a field goal four minutes from the end.

Cessnock’s best on the day was once again promising young forward Reed Hugo, whose work rate with and without the ball is amazing and his confidence is growing by the week; Edwards in the centres has been good all year and is a real threat every time he touches the ball, while Alec Fata is finding the form local supporters knew he had with his clever footwork and nice offloads.

After defeating the leaders last week, reserve grade was beaten 30-18 in a game where they had their chances but some poor discipline at crucial stages proved costly.

Cessnock’s tries were scored by Zeb Dunstan, Kevin Picton and Oliver Powell while Ryan Holman kicked three goals.

Players’ player went to Dean Wearing, who at the moment is playing tremendous football and his form has really impressed the coaching staff.

Open grade had their first win of the year and played some well-controlled football to win 38-22.

Coach Ethan Hodson, who is in his first season in the job, has worked really hard to build a good spirit in the team.

Cessnock’s tries were scored by Alex Davey (three), Jason Smith (two), Tory Neville and Arch Dunstan (one each), with goals to Hayden Waters and Joel Hafey.

Players’ player went to Davey, who proved a handful every time he touched the ball; while others to play well were Smith and Jay McCord.

The Goannas will travel to Central this Sunday for a game they must win to retain their position in the top three.