The Cooks Hill club boasts two strong teams in 2016 and, entering round seven, the No 2 outfit was placed third with 23 points.

Muswellbrook, on the other hand, sat in fourth on 21.

“We’ve just come off the past fortnight having played fast-paced brutal rugby against Army and Cooks Hill No 1,” Heelers president Greg Buckley said.

“With a draw and our first loss of the season, we were keen to get back into the winners’ circle.

“Once again, we had a full team of 23 players to choose from so there were no excuses.

“A win was vital and a bonus point would give us a buffer and third spot on the ladder.”

The Heelers forward pack was ready to dominate and determined to get on the front foot early.

Muswellbrook held the field position and put Cooks Hill on notice that it was going to be a bruising encounter.

Harry Hobden and Tyler Judge, along with Bruce Raque, led the way. 

Captain Ben Heriot also made some big inroads to bend the Cooks Hill defensive line. 

Cameron Young was able to get good ball to the backs and it wasn’t long before the hosts had a chance to score.

Heriot crashed over out wide to give the Heelers a 5-0 lead. Young converted from near the sideline to extend the margin to 7-0.

Muswellbrook maintained the pressure on Cooks Hill. 

It wasn’t long before Sikeli Votonisiga was able to take advantage of the side’s field position and went over to score his first try of the season. 

Young added the extras for a 14-0 advantage.

Cooks Hill didn’t give up and continued to up the pace.

Close to half-time, the visitors were awarded a penalty and converted to trail 14-3 at the break.

Muswellbrook didn’t start the second period with the aggression or defensive muscle shown in the opening stanza.

Cooks Hill took advantage of this and was able to get some good ball on the Heelers’ line.

They crashed over near the posts, putting them within four points – and a confidence boost – at 14-10.

Muswellbrook had to regroup and get back to the structure, which seemed to desert it.

The loose forwards of Jaryd Buckley and Jason Tyerman were in Cooks Hill face and pilfered some good ball.

The lineouts went well and things started to click again. 

Muswellbrook’s backs received clean ball from the foundation laid by the forwards.

And, the Heelers were able to put on three unanswered tries in the second half – to Tyla Price, Aisea Raitala and another to Votonisiga. 

Young converted two of the three to wrap up Muswellbrook’s win 33-10.

Players’ player was Harry Hobden with a gutsy performance. 

Coach Mick Hall awarded his points to: Ben Heriot (one), Sikeli Votonisiga (two), Jaryd Buckley (three)

Referees’ points went to: Cameron Young (one), Cooks Hill No 15 (two), Ben Heriot (three)

The Heelers next face Southern Lakes at Morriset.