The Heelers travelled to Gibson Oval, Morisset, to take on the Presidents Cup frontrunners on Saturday.

And, the top of the table clash proved to be a real physical and fiery clash.

The Heelers started the game well with dominant scrums and brutal defence but poor discipline and repeated penalties saw momentum swing.

A dubious offside intercept put the Hammerheads 7-0 up.

Muswellbrook fought back to level the scores at 7-all.

However, after some niggle and a confrontational exchange on the Heelers’ defensive line, Southern Lakes took the opportunity of the players being distracted and ran the ball under the posts to be awarded a controversial try.

This enabled them to enjoy a 14-7 advantage at the break.

The referee had cause to talk to both team captains and warned the game was in danger of being called off due to the amount of “off the ball” indiscretions and physical/verbal confrontations.

The Heelers’ leadership group, along with coach Mick Hall, laid the law down to the local boys to stop getting baited.

“The team ran out at half-time with a determined mindset to not get caught up in the niggle and play the game we know we can,” president Greg Buckley said.

“We looked the better side and much more composed. 

“But, we didn’t let the opposition unsettle us and soon had the majority of possession.

“Some of our attacking moves weren’t sticking and some dropped ball let the Hammerheads off the hook.”

A try to each team in the second half pushed the score to 19-12 in Southern Lakes’ favour.

However, with sheer determination and a forward pack dominating, Muswellbrook marched down the field after a penalty to barge across the tryline out wide on full-time – with a kick to lock the scores up.

Unfortunately, the conversion missed and final score was 19-17 to Southern Lakes.

The Heelers’ next game is against Griffins on Memorial Day, Saturday, May 13, at Highbrook Park from 3pm.