Cessnock have claimed the 2020 Newcastle Rugby League premiership after scoring four-tries-to-one to defeat Souths 20-6 in Sunday's grand final at Maitland Sportsground.
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The Goannas crossed twice in each half to keep the Lions at bay despite the margin being reduced to two points shortly after half-time.
Cessnock supporters started a "Goeys" chant approaching the full-time whistle.
The Goannas last won a decider in 2003.
Cessnock opened the scoring four minutes in via fullback Ngangarra Barker, finishing off a Brayden Musgrove bust down the left edge.
Goannas centre Musgrove followed up shortly after to be 8-0 ahead inside 15 minutes.
Cessnock winger Seaton Reid missed both conversion attempts.
Both teams had tries disallowed in the closing 20 minutes of the first half.
Goannas playmaker Liam Foran, heavily strapped because of a hamstring injury, started from the bench and came on at hooker around the half-hour mark.
It was 8-0 at half-time.
Souths replied early in the second stanza when second-rower Blake Campbell crashed over to the right of the posts.
Lions halfback Jason Keelan added the extras to reduce the margin to two points.
In the 56th minute Cessnock's Josh Griffiths nabbed a try from a Barker grubber, diving full stretch to beat the chasing pack just before the dead-ball line.
Reid kicked his first goal to take the score to 14-6.
Souths prop Jack Cameron left the field injured with just under 20 minutes left.
Cessnock dummy-half Nick Lawrence went himself and scored next to the posts in the 71st minute. Reid converted to extend their advantage to 14 points.
Goannas lock Connor Kirkwood was named player of the final.
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