Macquarie Scorpions clean up untidy Cessnock Goannas: photos

The game was as good as over at half-time when the Scorpions led 18-0, capitalising on a host of errors from Cessnock.

The Goannas only completed six of their 14 sets and continually gave their opponents opportunities, which they took advantage of to race in four unanswered tries.

With the combination of not having played in three weeks and error after error, the Goannas were in desperate need of the half-time break.

Coach Craig Miller gave them some well-chosen words of advice during the break, hoping they would respond with a lot more enthusiastic effort.

But only two minutes into the second half another error was made, and the Scorpions scored again.

Cessnock started to play desperate footy and while attacking the line threw a long pass, which led to an intercept try for a 26-0 scoreline.

The Goannas finally got on the scoreboard when Shaun Metcalf crashed over out wide after Brendan Williams made a nice break.

Any chance of making a revival was snuffed out when the Scorpions put through a short kick and won the race to the ball to extend the score to 32-4.

The Goannas’ only real highlight of the day occurred when debutant Zeb Dunstan scored a try with his first touch of the ball to make the score 32-8.

Macquarie scored again but Cessnock finished off the game with two late tries to Jarred Edwards and Williams.

Brendan Hlad was voted players’ player for his great effort; Edwards had some good touches in the centres, while Williams – with limited opportunities – looked threatening.

Reserve grade cracked their first win of the season when they scored a convincing 32-16 victory.

Cessnock’s tries were scored by Fabian Dunstan (two), Dylan Edwards (two), Oliver Powell, Mick Deacon and Jade Antcliffe and Bailey Bromage landed two goals. Edwards was voted players’ player and was one of many who played well in a great team effort.

Third grade had another narrow loss, going down 32-26 after leading on numerous occasions.

Tries were scored by Tory Neville (two), Kyle Pickering, Brent Mendyke and Dean Wearing with Wally Hickling landing three goals. Mendyke was voted players’ player, well-supported by Wearing, Neville and Jay McCord.

With a patched-up team the under-19s were narrowly defeated 10-8 and with any luck could have come away with a very brave win.

Tries were scored by Arch Dunstan and Beejay Green; Liam Mears was voted players’ player while Jordan Schofield and Ben Hipwell had really strong games.

This Sunday the Goannas are away to Souths at Townson Oval.

Meanwhile, Cessnock Sports­ground will host the finals of the Country Championships for 14 and 15-year-olds this Saturday. Games are underway from 9am.