The Cessnock Goannas let an early lead slip and went down to South Newcastle 22-14 in a hard-fought encounter at Townson Oval on Saturday.
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Wearing specially-designed Anzac jerseys, the Goannas crossed twice in the first 10 minutes with tries to Kendall Fahey and Sione Nghae.
The Lions bounced back to even the score, but a runaway try by Tyrone Nean right on half-time sent Cessnock to the sheds with a 14-10 lead.
South responded with two converted tries in the first five minutes of the second half, taking the lead and ultimately, the win.
Goannas secretary Cherie Douglas said the Anzac jerseys were well-received.
"We wanted to honour our president Ross Murray, who served in Vietnam," she said.
Club vice-president Grant Collins performing a rousing rendition of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda in the sheds after the jerseys were presented (see the video here).
The Goannas remain in second place after Saturday's loss, and travel to Maitland on Saturday to take on the undefeated Pickers in the top-of-the-table clash. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
