Image: Newcastle Rugby League Facebook

Tallon Smith

The Maitland Pickers have claimed a fourth straight Newcastle Rugby League premiership after taking out the title with a 30-8 win over the Cessnock Goannas at McDonald Jones Stadium last weekend.

The Pickers raced out to a 12-0 lead early through tries to Matthew Soper-Lawler and William Nieuwenhuise, before an early chance for Cessnock went begging after Lewis Young lost the ball.

The Goannas did hit back however, with Joe Woodbury who raced in to score out wide to reduce the margin to 12-4.

Maitland’s lead was restored before half time however when Brock Lamb found James Bradley, with the margin extended to a game high 14 points following the conversion to see the teams enter the sheds at 18-4.

The margin was extended further after Chad O’Donnell crossed, and put beyond doubt when Luke Knight intercepted a pass and raced away to score.

A consolation try to Woodbury saw Cessnock reduce the margin late, with Maitland securing a 22-point win and another Newcastle League crown.