The three points from their home match at the Newcastle Athletics Field dispels any doubt that the Cookers can retain control of the top of the table as the half-turn of the season approaches.

The home side started on the right foot with a strike from captain Daniel Johnson finding the back of the net, and took their 1-0 lead into the sheds at half time.

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Goals from Reid Murray and Nick Russell, scored either side of Thomas Stewart’s effort for the Hornets, put Cooks Hill back on track in their title defence for 2018.

It was less positive for the other 2017 grand finalists, as Belmont Swansea started off their eventual 2-2 draw with a mistake at the back to allow Kieran Quadrelli in on goal just a minute and a half into the first half.

Tragedy struck for New Lambton after Ammon Currie conceded a penalty, and was shown a red card by the referee, with Joel Shearer slotting away the chance from the spot.

Riley Taylor pulled New Lambton – now helmed by new coach Jim Foley – back in front, but a late second for Shearer made sure the Belswans left with at least a point despite their early season woes.

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Elsewhere on Saturday, and South Cardiff continued their shining form with an 8-goal rampage against Toronto Awaba, with Nathan McCallister netting four. Daniel Wells chipped in with a brace, while Aaron Gunn and Troy Runge completed the rout at Lyall Peacock Field.

The next day, nothing could separate Singleton and Thornton as they played out a nil-all draw at Howe Park, while Wallsend came out the betters in a 5-3 flurry against Kahibah.

Sam Bradshaw netted two for the home side, while Tom Butzmann earned two of his own for Kahibah. Ty Goldsmith, Wez Pryce and Travis McCabe all added to Wallsend’s five goal haul, while Murray Leyland was the third scorer for the travelling side at The Gardens.

West Wallsend were on the bye round.