The Ben Hagan-coached outfit stunned early season favourites Aberdeen Tigers 26-4 at home on Saturday evening.

It wasn’t just the result, which surprised most pundits, it was the way the Devils rallied in defence to restrict their opponents to just four points.

Premiers Scone Thoroughbreds kick-started its title defence with a thrilling 25-24 triumph at the expense of the Singleton Greyhounds on Sunday.

At Olympic Park, last year’s runners up Muswellbrook Rams looked sharp in disposing the Greta Branxton Colts 34-18.

The tables were turned in reserve grade.

Aberdeen accounted for Denman 32-6 and Singleton knocked over Scone 40-22.

The Rams overpowered the Merriwa Magpies 38-24.

In under-18s, Muswellbrook took the honours from Denman 18-10 in an entertaining fixture and the Greyhounds hammered the Thoroughbreds 42-12.

Women’s league tag produced a few surprises, too, with Aberdeen beating the She-Devils 14-0, Singleton shut out 2016 champions Scone 32-6 and Merriwa proved too good for Muswellbrook 20-16. 

Denman def Aberdeen 26-4

Scone def Singleton 25-24

Muswellbrook def Greta Branxton 34-18

Aberdeen def Denman 32-6

Singleton def Scone 40-22

Muswellbrook def Merriwa 38-24

Muswellbrook def Denman 18-10

Singleton def Scone 42-12

Aberdeen def Denman 14-0

Singleton def Scone 32-6

Merriwa def Muswellbrook 20-16

4.30pm: first grade, Greta Branxton v Scone

3pm: reserve grade, Greta Branxton v Scone

2pm: women’s league tag, Greta Branxton v Scone

3pm: reserve grade, Merriwa v Murrurundi

2pm: women’s league tag, Merriwa v Murrurundi

Sunday, April 30 –

2pm: first grade, Singleton v Denman

12.35pm: reserve grade, Singleton v Denman

11.20am: under-18s, Singleton v Denman

10.15am: women’s league tag, Singleton v Denman

2pm: first grade, Aberdeen v Muswellbrook

12.35pm: reserve grade, Aberdeen v Muswellbrook

11.20am: under-18s, Muswellbrook v Scone

10.15am: women’s league tag, Aberdeen v Muswellbrook