Kurri Kurri returned to the top five but an incredibly gutsy Cessnock made them dig work hard for their 14-6 win in atrocious conditions at Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
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The Bulldogs scored their 14 points in the first half running in three tries with a gale at their back and then held out the Goannas as conditions worsened with rain added to the mix to produce a stinging sleet.
The Goannas went into the game without prop Kurt Warden and star recruit Paul Carter who both copped lengthy bans at the Newcastle RL judiciary during the week.
Warden has an appeal before the judiciary on Wednesday night against the severity of the grading for a striking charge, which could reduce his seven-game ban to four weeks.
Cessnock is also seeking leave to appeal to the NSW RL judiciary in a bid to have Carter’s five-week ban for offensive language reduced.
The Bulldogs were without play-maker Sam Wooden, who has a potentially season-ending back injury, but welcomed back half-back Jade Porter for his first game since surgery on his foot.
Kurri coach Ron Griffiths said Porter was outstanding in his return given the length of time he had been out and his experience was vital in testing conditions.
Griffiths said Ben Wyborn was the Bulldogs’ best thriving in the tough going.
“Ben really gave us the spark we needed in the centre of the field. He gave us the drive to score our tries and then was enormous in defence,” he said.
“Kade Hardy had another very good game. He has been one of our most consistent performers this season.”
The Goannas were best served by young forward Joe Bromage, who played after beating a dangerous throw tackle from last week’s game against the Pickers.
Griffiths was not surprised by Cessnock’s spirited performance missing leading players.
“They are a quality team with a lot of pride, they were always going to give us a tough contest. It’s a Coalfields clash and an important game for both of us in terms of the season,” he said.
“We scored our points in the first half with three tries and then the second-half our defence won us the game.
“Our defence is a key indicator for us and we pride ourselves on turning up for each other. There were real signs that had returned last week despite losing.
“I think we can build on this win and hopefully string a few wins together now as it is still an incredibly tight season.”
Kurri Kurri, who have a game in hand against Wests, are fifth equal on points with South Newcastle and just two points behind the leading group of three.