The Goey day at Harker Oval was a disaster with the Rozellas winning all four matches. The First grade was won by Wests by 22-14. Displaying hard running and defence, they bamboozled the Goeys who did well to restrict them to 8-0 at half time. Two quick tries early in the second half extended the lead to 18-0 and annihilation appeared likely. However the Goeys kept trying and gradually began to dominate and actually scored three in the last 15 minutes.

It was one of those days when few of the fancy flick passes stuck and some promising moves were nullified.

West has a very smart, fast moving side and when their passes stick they are very hard to beat.

Cessnock took the field without top centre, Gavin Quinn whose season has finished due to a grade four tear of the anterior cruciate ligament which needs reconstructive surgery.

Brett Stevens and Talipope Tuifelalasai (Pops) also missed the game.

Lance Lennard stood out in a hard working pack.

The Reserves lost their first game of the year going down 34-28 to a Rozella side which continued some very talented players. They outplayed the Goannas completely in the first half and led 28-6 at half time (five tries to one). As in First grade, Cessnock rallied and wore down their opponents scoring 22-6 as the Rozellas wilted. Mark White scored two tries but the highlight was a 40-metre try scoring run by Adam Tearle.

The lower grades were dominated as West won the Open Age 40-12 and the Under 19’s 52-0. West has such depth in all grades it would not surprise if they were to contest all grand finals.

I saw the Kurri – Macquarie game at Kurri. Midway through the second half I thought Macquarie would win but the Bulldogs finished all over them and thoroughly deserved their five tries to two win. The big talking point after the game was the lack of a field goal attempt by Kurri with the scores even. There were several great positions for such an attempt however the late Steven Kidd try was a thriller.

Macquarie won Reserves and Open Age but the star 19’s continued on their winning way. I can hardly wait for their clash with the West side.

I’ve been told that an old Bulldogs club has been formed. They will gather at home games and support their old club as well as enjoying themselves. Great idea.

The legend has left us! The super coach that was Jack Gibson has passed on. I met Jack once and found him to be a clear thinking, refreshing type who said what he thought. His one liners over the years are legendary. Two that tickled me were: (a) This mob would boo Santa Claus (b) Andrew Ettingshausen could switch off the light and be in bed before it gets dark. A great loss for Rugby League.

The Test showed me that the Kiwis could be a threat at the World Cup if they can get a half and a five eight. Benji Marshall could be one of them if he ever gets fit.

How about those Eagles? Down at half time but really got on top of the Broncos in the second half. Admittedly the Broncos were without Lockyer, Hodges and Carroll but that’s football. Veteran Steve Menzies was in the thick of everything.

The Bulldogs look to be gone. The glamour club of a few years ago has disintegrated and look as if they might oust the Rabbitohs from the wooden spoon. Then again, with Sonny Bill back, they might come back.

The Cowboys too are having a miserable year. Star Thurston is playing well for Australia but not all that well for the Cowboys. Might have something to do with his forwards not going well.

The Roosters trampled the bad travelling Raiders. Willie Mason went well and led the charges that had all Canberra boys back pedaling at a rate of knots.

I heard a commentator say that the Dragons were unlucky losers. Another victim of the golden point rule, Nathan Brown would have loved one point for a draw.

Tips. Two out of five (Storm on Monday night). This week Storm over Dragons, Roosters to beat Eels, Knights over Tigers, Panthers too good for Warriors, Rabbitohs to beat Raiders, Eagles over Cowboys, Broncos to toss Sharks, Titans over Bulldogs.

This week! Cessnock has another away game, this time against South at Townson Oval on Sunday. South beat the Terrace last weekend and could fancy themselves, however I tip the Goeys to bounce back.

The Bulldogs go to Passmore Oval also on Sunday. It will depend on the team the Central Knights field. Could be a difficult game.