The victory, at the expense of last year’s Patrons Shield grand finalists, will ensure Muswellbrook’s rivals take notice of the inform side.

The Heelers were very keen to build on their win from last week and started the game with the forwards once again leading the way.

An early penalty goal converted by Cameron Young gave Muswellbrook a 3-0 advantage.

However, an injury to Gaven Harold put the team on the back foot within the first five minutes of the fixture.

Harold was injured during an attacking hit up and some heavy contact in defence by Cessnock resulted in a fractured collarbone.

A quick shuffle in the forward pack saw the Heelers back on the front foot and the backs were ready to show their attacking flair.

A strong backline movement resulted in a try to centre Tyla Price, which was converted by Young, giving Muswellbrook a 10-0 lead.

Cessnock hit back with a penalty and converted try of its own to make it a 10-all scoreline.

“They were really starting to match it with us and some tough defence by both teams started to tire both forward packs,” Heelers president Greg Buckley said.

“But, another backline move by Muswellbrook saw a kick back towards the goal posts, which was scooped up by Matt Turner who ran away to score a brilliant try.

“Once again Cameron [Young] was on target and this gave us a 17-10 lead.

“Cessnock was far from done and, after some good attacking play, soon crossed our line to level at 17-all.

“This was the score at half-time and the break was a chance for Muswellbrook to regroup.”

The second stanza started well for the visitors and the boys were determined to stamp their mark on the game.

“The hard-running forwards once again got us in great field position,” Buckley said.

“Our scrums were dominant, too, and Harry Hobden, Tyler Judge and Jason Tyerman made good metres.

“Another penalty goal saw Muswellbrook regain the lead 20-17.

“Our backline really gave the Cessnock defence a headache and Mark French, along with Dan Keating on the wings, made good ground.

“It wasn’t long before Matt [Turner] had his second try of the game, which was converted by Cameron to give us some breathing space at 27-17.

“Cessnock was starved of any quality ball and Muswellbrook kept them in their own half.

“A try under the posts by a storming Patrick Kirkwood, which was once again converted by Cameron, gave us a 34-17 lead with five minutes on the clock.”

The round two players’ player went to winger French with strong attack and defence. 

The referee awarded his points to Young (three), Scott Almond (two) and Cessnock’s No 8 (one).

Hobden and Tyerman were also singled out for leading from the front.

“With another four-try bonus point win, two weeks in a row, the Heelers once again picked up the maximum five competition points on offer,” Buckley said.

“We now share top spot with Easts 1 on the ladder.”

Next weekend, the Heelers play their first home game of the year at Highbrook Park against Newcastle Griffins.

The game starts at 3pm.

“We’re looking for a strong showing at home,” Buckley said.

“So, we hope to have a good crowd supporting us.”