The score was tight at half-time, with Scone leading 7-5, before the home side out-scored the Red Devils in the second half to claim a 31-15 victory.

Gunnedah coach Jason Waerea said his side didn’t start the second half as quickly as he would have liked as Scone capitalised on their kicks.

“The Brumbies had the bounce of the ball. They had an offensive kick game that paid off. Both leading to tries,” Waerea said.

“Credit to their ruck play. They were offensive and scrappy at the break down and nullified our continuity.

“That was reflected in the high penalty count throughout the game.”

Waerea said the Red Devils showed glimpses of their best throughout the match.

“In patches we were good. Not consistent enough to maintain momentum. Team continuity plays some part to that,” he said.

The loss came after Gunnedah had scored back-to-back wins against Barraba-Gwydir and Walcha.

The Red Devils will enjoy a week on the sideline with the a bye and a guaranteed five points.

“With the upcoming bye, we have the opportunity to prepare for the Narrabri game and regroup,” Waerea said.

While first grade wasn’t able to snare victory, it was a big day for the second grade and women’s teams.

In second grade, Gunnedah scored a 31-14 victory over Scone as Nick Warry, Bill Flinn, Will Maunder, Julian Hockings and Josh Leys scored tries.

The women’s 7s side scored a pair of wins, 20-10 and 22-19.

Fiona Laurie grabbed a hat-trick of tries across the two matches.

The under 19s also had a game as they hit the road to take on Narrabri.

After trailing at half-time 24-7, the Red Devils reduced the deficit to 29-17 when the full-time buzzer sounded.