Following a shock loss to the Singleton Greyhounds, the competition leaders responded in the best possible fashion.

Although, they were made to work hard for it.

The two teams went into the break, locked at 6-all, and Denman moved ahead 12-6 early in the second half.

But, the Rams posted four converted tries to register win number eight.

Muswellbrook still heads the ladder with 16 points – six in front of the Aberdeen Tigers, who produced a massive effort to knock over defending premiers Scone Thoroughbreds 50-22.

The Singleton Greyhounds ruined the Russell triplets’ party at Greta Branxton, registering a 42-10 victory at the expense of the Colts.

Singleton (9), Denman (9) and Scone (8) round out the top five.

The Greyhounds maintained their dominance in reserve grade, beating the Colts 34-0.

Merriwa Magpies and Murrurundi Mavericks also prevailed, defeating Muswellbrook (38-18) and Denman (44-8) respectively.

Scone pipped Aberdeen 22-20.

Singleton sits atop the table on 16 points, with the Tigers (14), Thoroughbreds (12), Rams (8) and Magpies (8) close behind.

In the under-18s, Muswellbrook upstaged Denman 28-12 and the Greyhounds overpowered Scone 28-6.

The Magpies continued their unbeaten streak in women’s league tag, proving too good for the Ramettes 20-6.

The other matches were all one-sided affairs.

The Thoroughbreds hammered Aberdeen 30-0, Singleton taught Greta Branxton a lesson 42-0 and the Mavettes ran riot over the She Devils 62-0.

Round 10 kicks off on Saturday, with Muswellbrook hosting Scone at Olympic Park, Merriwa facing the Tigers and Denman locking horns with the Colts.

The Greyhounds celebrate Old Boys Day at home on Sunday.

Aberdeen def Scone 50-22

Muswellbrook def Denman 30-18

Singleton def Greta Branxton 42-10

Merriwa def Muswellbrook 38-18

Scone def Aberdeen 22-20

Murrurundi def Denman 44-8

Singleton def Greta Branxton 34-0

Muswellbrook def Denman 28-12

Singleton def Scone 28-6

Merriwa def Muswellbrook 20-6

Scone def Aberdeen 30-0

Murrurundi def Denman 62-0

Singleton def Greta Branxton 42-0

5.15pm: first grade, Denman v Greta Branxton

3.50pm: reserve grade, Denman v Greta Branxton

1.30pm: women’s league tag, Denman v Greta Branxton

3.05pm: reserve grade, Merriwa v Aberdeen

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

5.45pm: first grade, Muswellbrook v Scone

4.20pm: reserve grade, Muswellbrook v Scone

3.05pm: under-18s, Muswellbrook v Scone

2pm: women’s league tag, Muswellbrook v Scone

2pm: first grade, Singleton v Aberdeen

12.35pm: reserve grade, Singleton v Murrurundi

11.30am: women’s league tag, Singleton v Murrurundi