The Cessnock Goannas overcame some nervous first-half moments and eventually proved too classy for Lakes, winning 54-18 at home on Saturday.
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After being the first to score in the eighth minute with a try from Jacob Garland, the Goannas found themselves behind 8-4 by the 20th minute.
The game looked like being a repeat of Cessnock’s last home match against Kurri, where the Goannas dominated on the field but failed to put the opposition away.
However skipper Riley Brown took matters into his own hands and crossed for a try with Kerrod Holland converting for a 10-8 lead.
This seemed to give the Goannas a confidence boost and in the remaining 15 minutes before the break they scored a further four tries for a 30-8 lead and effectively shut Lakes out of the game.
At the break Cessnock coach Steve Kidd praised the team for their on-line defence when Lakes had plenty of possession and was pleased with their ball control, which wore the defence down.
Kidd warned that Lakes were a very fit and enthusiastic team and they would hang in on resumption.
Cessnock started the second half positively and in the sixth minute Holland threw a sensational 20-metre cut-out pass that gave Garland a clear run to the line and post his third try.
Lakes hit back with two converted tries to reduce the margin to 34-18 and looked threatening, but the Goannas regrouped and gained control to score another four tries for a final scoreline of 54-18.
Holland and Garland both scored hat-tricks while Greg White, Riley Brown, Mark White, Alec Fata and Geordie Connelly also crossed for the Goannas, with Holland landing five goals.
Brett Stevens filled in for Chris Adams (who is on rep duty) and was deservedly voted players’ player
“In the last 18 months he has played some great footy and his form was a great boost to the team,” Goannas president David Woodbury said.
Holland at fullback was outstanding and gives the team great strike power when he gets involved; Sepeti Afu again produced a strong game while back rowers Kori Barber and Alec Fata had their best games for a number of weeks.
This win keeps the Goannas in touch with the top teams but they have a tough run into the finals in the upcoming weeks starting with Central away this Sunday.
Reserve grade came up against a very strong Lakes side and although beaten 40-12 they remained competitive right to the finish.
The game featured the two best tries scored on the whole day – the first went to Josh Nitz who supported a break from Jade Antcliffe, changed his angle in support, received the ball inside and showed great pace to clear away from the cover and score.
The next was scored by Joe Woodbury, who received the ball on halfway, stepped past two defenders then chipped and regathered to score a beauty.
Jade Antcliffe was players’ player.
The under-23s continued on with their good recent form to win 26-4. Tries were scored by Ben Rose (two), Cal Orchard, Zaine Morgan and Murray Howard. Brent Morgan kicked three goals. Ryan Evans was players’ player, but the whole squad is playing good footy and well on the way to a finals berth.
The under-18s missed a great opportunity to consolidate a top five spot when they lost 20-10.
Cessnock led 10-6 at half-time but poor ball control kept the opposition in the game and eventually they were overrun.
Players’ player went to Brodie Jones who stepped up from under-16s and is a real prospect for the future.
Cessnock’s under-18s were running second only a month ago and now find themselves in fifth spot.
The Goannas play at Central on Sunday; first grade kicks off at 3pm.