The Devils had beaten Ron Griffith’s Colts 20-4 last year but the Colts returned to hurdle the Devils into second place behind the unbeaten Thoroughbreds.

Scone’s win also meant the Greyhounds are winless so far and sit outright last behind Muswellbrook (2) and Aberdeen (1) with a big duck egg beside their name.

However the Thoroughbreds didn’t have it easy away from home.

“It was a good win but it wasn’t pretty,” Scone captain-coach Daniel Ritter said.

“Defensively, we were pretty good. But we had to be. 

“We turned over a lot of ball and gave away plenty of penalties.”

He said the ball control might have been ordinary but they had some excuses.

“We had three or four blokes coming off night shift,” he said.

“We also had a couple who played in the second grade game at Merriwa (46-12 win) yesterday. 

“So it was a pretty good performance in that respect.”

Country fullback Tim Smith was at his best again, scoring two freakish tries with his blinding pace.

Winger Joel Harrison also motored home for a decisive 80m effort early in the second half.

“We led 10-6 at halftime,” Ritter said.

“And Joel’s try came just after the break. 

“It gave us the kickalong we needed and we were able to cross for another couple of tries.”

Once again, prop James Barker led the way up front with another outstanding effort and halfback Jarrod Wicks coped with all the traffic the Greyhounds sent his way.

“Three from three is pretty good,” Ritter said.

“It puts us in a good position with the Easter break.

“We’ve got a good start and now have the weekend off to get over a few niggles.”

Scone plays Denman at Scone Park in their fourth round clash on Sunday, April 27 with Muswellbrook hosting Greta Branxton that same day and Aberdeen at home to Singleton on the Saturday night (April 26).

G21 TABLE: Scone 6, Greta Branxton 4, Denman 3, Muswellbrook 2, Aberdeen 1, Singleton 0.