The Goannas put the winning feeling into last Saturday's annual Black and Gold Ball with a 32-14 win over Macquarie Scorpions. Victories in reserve grade, under-19s and the women's game made it all the more sweeter.

"Next week is very important for us, we need to start getting things right," Edwards said.

"If we get the cash next week it really sets us up with five games to go."

Edwards labelled the Goannas' win a "step in the right direction".

The victory followed consecutive losses and moved Cessnock into fourth, but the experienced coach won't be satisfied until the Goannas improve their consistency.

"It doesn't matter what the sport or what the level, you have to be consistent," Edwards said. "Wests and Souths have found consistency and none of the rest of us have.

"For us it was a very important win after two losses. It was good but we know we can be better. We have set a standard and we can be better than that. At least it was step in the right direction."

After conceding an early try to Matt Simon, Cessnock ran in the next three to lead 18-4 at the break.

"We kicked a goal, and they scored down our right after a couple of bad reads in defence," Edwards said.

"But then we went bang bang with tries to Brendan Hlad and Josh Charles."

The Scorpions hit back to cut the margin to 22-14 midway through the second half. But tries to halfback Callen Edwards and winger Seaton Reid sealed the win.

Edwards said the Goannas were defending well and decided to take three penalty shots in a row to keep the scoreboard ticking.

"I never thought were were troubled. We were OK, we can play better, but it was a good step in the right direction.

'"Harry O'Brien was good at the back.

"Steve Waetford came back from injury and was solid. Seaton Reid came up from reserve grade and was good. There wasn't many bad ones. All the boys had a crack

"I was very happy with the win."

Edwards said he was hopeful of having Reed Hugo available for selection on Saturday after he was a late withdrawal.

"Reed Hugo pulled out after problems with his knee at training on Thursday night hadn't cleared up."

"Seaton stood up very strong, it was an injury setback that worked out well for us for once."

Edwards said he expected a tough game against Central Newcastle next week and it would get even tougher the following round when they travel to take on Western Suburbs.

The run home after that includes Sunday away games against Lakes United on August 4 and 11, Western Suburbs (home, Saturday) and South Newcastle (away, Saturday).

Ladder: Wests 18, Souths 14, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Maitland 10, Lakes 8, Macquarie, Central 6.