The 2018 champions ambushed the Singleton Greyhounds 46-14 at Pirtek Park on Sunday; the match effectively over at the break.

The Thoroughbreds led 34-2 and virtually took their foot off the accelerator in the second period.

Singleton held Scone out for 10 minutes before the floodgates opened.

Tries to Justin Apthorpe, Adam Clydsdale, Tim Smith and three to Hayden Topliss set the platform in the opening 40, with Jake Watts kicking five goals.

The Greyhounds responded though, courtesy of Morgan Amidy and Michael Rinkin, plus two conversions to Will Neiuwenhuise.

However, Topliss' fourth and a further four-pointer to Jake Collison sealed the deal - and extended the Thoroughbreds' winning streak to five.

Meanwhile, the Aberdeen Tigers consolidated second spot on the ladder, courtesy of a big 44-14 win over the Denman Devils at McKinnon Field on Saturday.

The two sides were evenly-matched throughout the first half.

But, a sizzling try to Aberdeen captain, and co-coach, Ben Baker minutes before the interval broke the 10-all deadlock.

When he converted his own try, the Tigers led 16-10 - and they never looked back.

Despite a gallant showing by Denman after the interval, the team dropped its intensity before errors crept into their game.

One highlight for the Devils, however, was the debut of Logan Ellis, who joined his brothers Jacob and Daniel in the first grade ranks.

He also grabbed a four-pointer for good measure.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen forward Steve Hinschen made his 150th appearance for the Tigers.

It comes on the back of similar milestones to Daniel Hoogerwerf (200), Brad Fenton (150) and Dave Murnane (150) in recent weeks.

In reserve grade, the Merriwa Magpies accounted for the Murrurundi Mavericks 32-12, the Tigers beat the Greta Branxton Colts 22-8, the Thoroughbreds knocked over the Greyhounds 26-12 and the Muswellbrook Rams overpowered the Devils 44-0.

Muswellbrook's under-18s accounted for Denman 28-16 and Singleton trounced Scone 54-14.

In league tag, the Thoroughbreds defeated the Greyhounds 28-10, the Mavettes pipped the Magpies 12-10 and the Ramettes put the Devils to the sword 58-0.

First grade: Scone d Singleton 46-14, Aberdeen d Denman 44-14

Reserve grade: Merriwa d Murrurundi 32-12, Aberdeen d 22-8, Scone d Singleton 26-12, Muswellbrook d Denman 44-0

Under-18s: Muswellbrook d Denman 28-16, Singleton d Scone 54-14

League tag: Scone d Singleton 28-10, Murrurundi d Merriwa 12-10, Muswellbrook d Denman 58-0

Saturday, June 1 -

(at Denman)

1pm: league tag, Denman v Singleton

2pm: under-18s, Denman v Singleton

3.10pm: reserve grade, Denman v Singleton

4.40pm: first grade, Denman v Singleton

(at Merriwa)

3pm: reserve grade, Merriwa v Greta Branxton

Sunday, June 2 -

(at Scone)

12.30pm: league tag, Scone v Murrurundi

1.30pm: reserve grade, Scone v Murrurundi

3pm: first grade, Scone v Aberdeen

(at Muswellbrook)

10.20am: league tag, Muswellbrook v Aberdeen

11.20am: under-18s, Muswellbrook v Aberdeen

12.30pm: reserve grade, Muswellbrook v Aberdeen