Following back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Aberdeen Tigers (48-16) and Singleton Greyhounds (26-22) in the past fortnight, last year’s Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League grand finalists knocked over the hosts, the Devils, 40-14 in chilly conditions.

Newcomer Mick Henry, who recently joined the Muswellbrook club, was named players’ player.

The mid-week result allowed the Rams to consolidate third position on the ladder, just trailing pacesetters Aberdeen and Scone, who will face-off on Saturday in all four grades.

The Tigers and Thoroughbreds share top spot, on 14 points, four ahead of Muswellbrook, with a big gap to Singleton, Denman and Greta Branxton.

The Rams tackle the Devils again this weekend, but this time at home, Olympic Park.

Women’s league tag, featuring Muswellbrook and Merriwa, kicks off proceedings on Sunday from 10.25am.

First grade –

Muswellbrook defeated Denman 40-14

Reserve grade –

Denman defeated Merriwa 22-20

Women’s league tag –

Merriwa defeated Denman 36-0

At Scone

1pm: league tag, Scone v Aberdeen

2pm: under-18s, Scone v Aberdeen

3.10pm: reserve grade, Scone v Aberdeen

4.40pm: first grade, Scone v Aberdeen

At Murrurundi

2pm: league tag, Murrurundi v Denman

3pm: reserve grade, Murrurundi v Denman

At Muswellbrook

10.25am: league tag, Muswellbrook v Merriwa

11.20am: under-18s, Muswellbrook v Denman

12.30pm: reserve grade, Muswellbrook v Merriwa

2pm: first grade, Muswellbrook v Denman

At Singleton

10.25am: league tag, Singleton v Greta Branxton

11.20am: under-18s, Singleton v Greta Branxton

12.30pm: reserve grade, Singleton v Greta Branxton

2pm: first grade, Singleton v Greta Branxton