After a large turnover of player's during the off-season, Cessnock took a squad of 19 into the trial, with youth and enthusiasm a major influence with some experience guiding the young Hornets.

New signings Travas McCabe, Jake Burnett, Brodie Williams and Sam Perry also made their debuts.

Cessnock were working on some new tactical defending patterns, which repelled and frustrated the fast paced Kahibah attack. Both teams traded chances, with both keepers making saves to keep it scoreless till the break.

In the second half the game opened up, with Cessnock’s legs getting weary and Kahibah bringing on an entire new starting 11.

Brodie Williams marked his debut with a goal, after lead-up work down the right hand side from Travas McCabe, firing into the roof of the net from close range.

McCabe had his own on debut goal soon after, gathering the ball and accelerating past a defender before burying past the on-rushing keeper. 

Kahibah pulled one back with 15 to go, when tired Cessnock legs let a runner free from midfield. Kahibah piled huge pressure on late, but some stoic defending and important interceptions saw the Hornets through to the final whistle.

Cessnock travel to Westlakes this Thursday, with the game kicking off at 6.30pm, before competing in the Heritage Cup where they are grouped with rivals Weston, Edgeworth and Wallsend.