THE Muswellbrook Rams will need a reversal of form to capture their first win of the Hunter Valley Group 21 rugby league season at the expense of the Denman Devils tomorrow.
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In last weekend’s opening round, the Rams suffered a 36-12 loss to the Scone Thoroughbreds.
But, the Muswellbrook outfit has an opportunity to bounce back against the neighbouring Devils on home turf, Olympic Park.
Denman, the defending premiers, kick-started its campaign with a resounding 36-20 victory over the Singleton Greyhounds, while the Greta Branxton Colts beat the Aberdeen Tigers 30-16.
“All four grades began their respective seasons at the weekend,” Rams publicity officer Gary Jones said.
“In the main match, we trailed 10-0 at half-time, however Scone ran away with it after the break.
“With several key players missing through injury and work it was always going to be a big task.
“But, the boys battled it out right till the end.
The best players were Simon Harmer, Jacob Pottinger, Adam Dale and Ewin Bartholomew.”
Jones expects the Rams to be on song in tomorrow’s local derby.
“We’re tackling Denman in all four grades,” he said.
“As usual, there will be plenty of spice in these games.
“It’s also the annual Varley Family Day, where the club recognises the contribution of the Varley family to the organisation.
“The first showdown, the under-18s, take the field at 1.30pm with the firsts starting from 5.15pm.”
In reserve grade, the Rams had a nail-biting 18-16 win over Merriwa with young under-18 player Jacob Kennedy the standout along with Pat Howard and Mitch Mather.
The junior Rams enjoyed a comfortable 26-4 triumph over Scone.
Ryan Holman led the way with Kennedy, Chris Cornwall and Jackson Anshaw,
Muswellbrook began the newly-formed women’s league tag competition in smashing form, hammering Merriwa 40-0.
The girls ran in eight tries and kicked four goals.
Best for the Ramettes were Ashley Frankland, who scored a try and booted four goals, while skipper Sarah Hope, Jess Murray and Shae Pemberton also shone on debut.
Round one results:
First grade – Greta Branxton d Aberdeen 30-16, Denman d Singleton 36-20, Scone d Muswellbrook 36-12
Reserve grade – Greta Branxton d Aberdeen 28-18, Muswellbrook d Merriwa 18-16, Murrurundi d Scone 24-22, Singleton d Denman 32-28
Women’s league tag – Aberdeen d Greta Branxton 24-10, Muswellbrook d Merriwa 40-4, Scone d Murrurundi 30-0, Singleton d Denman 50-4
Under-18s – Denman drew with Singleton 16-all, Muswellbrook d Scone 26-4, Greta Branxton bye
Round two draw (home team first):
Tomorrow –
1.30pm: under-18s, Muswellbrook v Denman
2.30pm: women’s league tag, Muswellbrook v Denman
3.45pm: reserve grade, Muswellbrook v Denman
5.15pm: first grade, Muswellbrook v Denman
2pm: women’s league tag, Murrurundi v Aberdeen
3pm: reserve grade, Murrurundi v Aberdeen
Sunday –
10.30am: under-18s, Greta Branxton v Singleton
11.45am: women’s league tag, Greta Branxton v Singleton
12.50pm: reserve grade, Greta Branxton v Singleton
2.15pm: first grade, Greta Branxton v Singleton
11.45am: women’s league tag, Scone v Merriwa
12.50pm: reserve grade, Scone v Merriwa
2.15pm: first grade, Scone v Aberdeen