If it wasn't official before this weekend's matches, it is now: the Tamworth Magpies are the real deal.
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Second-placed Tamworth reversed a 34-30 loss to first-placed Robb College at Rugby Park last month, with a 37-31 defeat of Robb at Bellevue Oval on Saturday.
Burke described the win as "special", because it was achieved after he was forced into a major backline reshuffle for a clash played in front of a vocal Bellevue Oval crowd.
The game was a very high standard - very, very physical: it was tough.
- Peter Burke
Burke marked his players down for allowing Robb to score a late converted try that put extra pressure on Tamworth, but said that "being able to win in that environment is a good plus for us".
He added: "The game was a very high standard - very, very physical: it was tough.
"But at the same time it was very, very quick - probably the fastest game we've played all year."
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Burke praised the performance of his inside centre Joe Evans, describing him as "the backbone of our backline".
"He stood up again. He's just an amazing footballer," Burke said, adding that No.4 Jack Kotris had his best game for the club, while No.6 Jack Barker was "particularly strong" in defence.
Robb College and Tamworth have established a big points buffer over third-places St Albert's College. Both Robb and Tamworth have eight wins from 10 matches - with the former four points clear atop the table.
