The hosts went into the round eight fixture without at least eight players, due to injury, illness or work.

“The team wanted to put on a good showing for our Sponsors Day and thank them all for their wonderful support,” president Greg Buckley said.

“We had 18 players by the time we took the field. 

“Only having three reserves did make it tough for the boys.

“Easts 1 were above us on the ladder, in second position, and were a well-drilled and slick side.

“They came out of the blocks fast and managed to score two quick tries in the first 10 minutes of the game.”

The Heelers refused to give in.

Easts had the majority of possession and continued to batter the Muswellbrook defence.

The Heelers tried valiantly to stem the flow but the visitors managed to run in two more tries.

Muswellbrook then suffered another blow.

Pat Cardoso had to be taken to hospital by ambulance with a leg injury.

“This happened before half-time and really put a damper on our spirits,” Buckley said.

“Our bench was now down to two players.

“The talk at the break was still upbeat and the boys were determined to not let themselves or the sponsors down on this special day.”

To the Heelers credit, they dug deep and managed to get some possession in good attacking territory.

A great team effort saw the ball advance down the field and Joel Doran scored out wide.

The boys’ spirits lifted and it was a determined effort to not give up.

“We strung together some good attacking raids and were very unlucky to be denied more points,” Buckley said.

“At no stage did the players hang their heads during a difficult encounter.

“Easts managed to score more tries in the second half and run out convincing winners.”

Despite the scoreline, Buckley was proud of his chargers.

“We decline to use any excuses or portion blame for the loss,” he said.

“Easts deserved the win and really played well.

“The game was contested in good spirit and, although the score was heavily in favour of Easts, we can take some good out of this fixture.

“The main thing was our boys never gave up.

“A sign of a good team is own your performance, whether it be good or bad, and learn from it.

“In the overall scheme of the season, this is not our defining moment.

“We can hold our heads high with seven victories, two losses and a draw from 10 matches.”

Players’ player was Joel Doran. 

The Heelers’ next encounter is at home on Saturday.

“This will be a special day for Jaryd Buckley as he plays his 150th game for our club at only 25 years of age,” Buckley said.

“Please come up and celebrate this milestone.

“The showdown starts at the early time of 1pm this weekend.”