Aleeyah Clifford
Cessnock Goannas have beaten The Entrance Tigers 28-6 in their Denton Engineering Cup Semi-final clash, securing a spot in next week’s Preliminary Final against the Maitland Pickers.
The Tigers took the lead in the first six minutes when fullback Harrison Mulligan showcased his skills by scoring and converting the try.
Responding swiftly, Goannas centre Harvey Neville got across the line to bring the score to 6-4. Five-eighth Sam Clune failed to convert, but a penalty kick later evened the score.
Before the end of the half and after spending plenty of time on the Tigers’ line, it was centre Kyle McLean who broke through, leaving the halftime score at 10-6 to the Goannas.
The second half saw Cessnock begin to dominate the contest. Their lead was further bolstered by another try, this one to winger Joshua Charles taking the lead to 14-6 .
Despite their best efforts, The Entrance struggled to breach Cessnock’s defence and convert their chances into points.
With the Goannas on the attack again, No.15 Jye See smashed his way through the Tigers’ defence, bringing the score to 18-6. Clune converted the try to take the score to 20-6 with 28 minutes to go.
Following an knock-on from The Entrance with 20 minutes to go, Neville scored immediately off the scrum for another Cessnock try and his second of the match, bringing the score to 24-6.
The final try of the match was scored by Cessnock winger Josh Charles, when he managed to catch a kick and slide across the try-line.
This game was the last home match for prop Kori Barber, who has had a long career with Cessnock Rugby League.
“I am so grateful for the support and the community out here in Cessnock footy, and I'm just really glad we could make them proud today,” Barber said.
Thanks to their win today, Cessnock Goannas will take on Maitland Pickers in next Saturday’s Preliminary Final.
RESULT: Cessnock Goannas 28 (Neville 2, Charles, Musgrove, See, Young tries; Clune 2 goals) def. The Entrance Tigers 6 (Mulligan try; Mulligan goal).
