After a sluggish start to the season, the 2018 divisional champions maintained their winning streak at home with a disciplined performance against frontrunners Southern Lakes Hammerheads, beating them 26-17.

Both teams played some good football, but it was the Heelers that stuck to the game plan and produced the better rugby throughout.

However, the fixture was marred by some foul play late in the second half that saw each side lose players to yellow cards and the Hammerheads a red as well.

"We're now capitalising on our run at Highbrook Park, with that being our third consecutive victory at home," club president Michael Hall said.

"That takes our stats to four wins and two losses.

"Prior to this defeat, the Hammerheads were on top of the table and sporting an unbeaten record.

"But, it was the Heelers who had a point to prove to themselves.

"In the past two matches, we've been slow out of the blocks.

"The boys wanted to improve that part of their game.

"As a result, the first 15 minutes was all Muswellbrook.

"They defended strongly, and put phases together allowing the ball runners to get over the advantage line and across the park, supported each other."

The result was two early tries, one to a crafty bit of work by Ben Heriot at the three-minute mark and the other to Alistair Buchanan, following smart teamwork, soon after.

The Hammerheads hit back with a five-pointer of their own against the play.

The Heelers then pressured Southern Lakes well inside their half, when a turnover was kicked forward.

With no fullback at home, the Hammerheads reacted better, kicking the ball through the retreating Muswellbrook defence all the way to the tryline. The conversion was successful, reducing the margin to 12-7.

The game fell into the grind but the Heelers maintained pressure though their defence and continued to dominate field position but could not add to the score before half-time.

Whatever was said at the break in the Hammerheads' huddle worked.

Southern Lakes came out and scored first levelling it all up at 12-all.

Not to be outdone, Muswellbrook replied almost immediately with a converted try to take the lead again, 19-12.

The arm wrestle continued and Southern Lakes touched down at the 43rd minute.

Again, the Heelers returned serve and scored their last converted try to stretch the lead to 26-17.

The Hammerheads were reduced to 14 men when their flanker lifted his opposite number in a tackle.

It was correctly deemed a dangerous tackle and the Southern Lakes No.6 was shown the red card.

In a great display of sportsmanship, he checked on the Muswellbrook player's welfare, apologised, shook his hand and quietly left the field.

"But, the red card - along with the score and limited game time remaining - distracted the Hammerheads from playing rugby," Hall said.

"With barely five minutes remaining on the clock, a Southern Lakes player instigated some foul play and, almost immediately, both sides came together for some push and shove right in front of a parochial Muswellbrook crowd.

"After contemplating the melee with the assistant referee, the ref issued both No.8s with a yellow card.

"And, with only a minute to go, he called the game.

"The foul play was a disappointing end to what was a great encounter of rugby.

"Both teams played terrific patches of union, but it was the Heelers who held their heads and stuck to their structures."

Tryscorers were Heriot, Nathan Graham, Anthony Grech and Buchanan, with Cameron Young landing two conversions and Dylan Smith one.

Attention now turns to the showdown against Merewether Carlton in another home game for the Heelers.

"The Greens are above us on the ladder," Hall admitted.

"However, we're striving to make the top tier when the competition splits and home games are must-win events.

"This fixture will also be our Sponsors Day and an opportunity to thank our generous supporters.

"We also intend on announcing our donation to Motor Neurone Disease NSW after our very successful Memorial Day charity auction."

The game kicks off at 3pm with canteen and bar facilities open from 1.30pm.

Coach's points:

1. Sam Heriot, Dylan Smith

2. Ben Heriot

3. Alistair Buchanan

Players' player: Alistair Buchanan