It looked as though the local team would claim the honours, however their rivals had other ideas, prevailing 21-20 in a thriller.

Muswellbrook’s Cameron Young started the scoring 10 minutes into the game, with a field goal from close to half way, giving the Heelers a handy 3-0 lead.

Shortly after, Cessnock intercepted a pass on the sideline and ran towards the tryline, only to be tackled 20m out by Doug Raphael. 

Some sloppy play saw the hosts awarded a penalty, although their attempt was unsuccessful. 

The score remained at 3-0 to Muswellbrook. 

The next 15 minutes saw a flurry of play. 

Raphael went into the blood bin and Cessnock scored from a line out, with their conversion attempt successful, putting them in front 7-3.

Less than five minutes later, Muswellbrook’s Anthony Grech scored a great winger’s try out wide.

Even though Young missed the kick, the Heelers went to the break ahead 8-7.

Muswellbrook extended that margin to 15-7 shortly after half-time, thanks to a converted try.

For the next 10 minutes, the Heelers held Cessnock out on their tryline and tackled them over the sideline. 

But, unfortunately, a try to the home side followed to reduce the lead to 15-14.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Cessnock lost the ball and Muswellbrook’s Ethan Cridland ran almost a full length of the field to score. 

Dylan Smith’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful as it hit the crossbar, leaving things at 20-14.

The Heelers suffered a major blow, in the final 10, with Mitchell Googe being sent from the field with a yellow card. 

This was followed shortly after by a penalty to Cessnock, which saw them score a try on full-time. 

The conversion sailed between the uprights for a heart-breaking 21-20 loss.

Although there are no matches scheduled this weekend, the Heelers return to action on May 5 against Waratah (away).

Muswellbrook then commemorates Memorial Day, against Griffins, at Highbrook Park – the club’s first home game of the season – on May 12.

Players’ player - Dylan Smith

Best and fairest points –

1 - Mitchell Googe, Jaryd Buckley 

2 - Will Hobden 

3 - Cameron Young