THE Muswellbrook Heelers are geared up for their most important club fixture of the rugby season when they tackle arch rivals Singleton Bulls at Singleton Rugby Park this weekend.
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And, the results of both grades will have a major bearing on their respective ladders.
Muswellbrook leads the firsts’ premiership with Singleton close behind, only a few points in arrears.
In second grade, the Heelers are placed second to the Bulls – and will be trying to cement their position on the table.
At stake tomorrow is the minor premiership, club championship, Hawthorn Trophy and Singleton Cup.
Heelers president Tim Pike said the club needed all its players, and
supporters, on deck at Rugby Park.
“There is a lot to play for,” he said.
“It would be great for our spectators to come along as well and cheer on the boys.
“This match will probably be a better game than the NSW Waratahs and Crusaders clash later in the evening.”
On their second long road trip away, the Heelers were successful in both grades against an enthusiastic Cooks Hill outfit last Saturday.
Brad Smith claimed a unique double by scoring a try in the seconds followed by one in the top side.
Muswellbrook’s reserves, requiring a victory to cement their position on the ladder, found themselves up against a tough rival.
With Cooks Hill leading at half-time, thanks to some basic handling errors, the Heelers trailed with five minutes remaining on the clock.
However, like the previous week, where a cross-kick to Smith saved the day, Muswellbrook relied on a similar tactic.
Alan “AJ” Johnson was the man to lay foot onto ball, and Smith caught it on the full and raced over for a try.
Again, a great conversion by Tate Wicks gave Muswellbrook a 22-17 triumph.
Pana Ravouvau bagged a double, while Tyler Judge was ably helped by Harry “Hobbo” Hobden and veteran Bruce Raque.
Once again, Muswellbrook fielded a depleted first grade side.
New recruit Ben Heriot gave the scrum plenty of strength while evergreen Shane Wanstall showed why he is cementing his place in the line-up.
Halfback Mitch Whalley kept the scoreboard ticking over with two tries.
Mitchell Googe came on as a replacement and is certainly finding form for the finals.
Coach Chris Edwards said there was still a long way to go, despite the Heelers prevailing 40-7.
“A lot of work needs to be done if we are to take out the premiership two years in a row,” he said.
