The defending premiers look again on track to top the competition, as their 4-2 victory over the Redbacks puts an 11-point buffer between them and the trailing pack, even with their starting striker Lee Ashton out of action.

It was Ashton’s replacement, Sam Parker, who was responsible for the first goal for the Cookers, as he forged a chance for himself that was deflected by the Redbacks’ keeper, before Nick Russell tucked the rebound away for the lead.

Thornton answered back minutes later after a long-range strike from Trent Partridge beat Jake Hamilton between the sticks for Cooks Hill, levelling proceedings.

It was the home side captain who struck next in the table-topping clash, as he drilled one past James Wand, but the Redbacks had all the answers through Tallan Martin and the second equaliser of the match.

It wasn’t enough for Thornton however, as Russell netted again before Cooks Hill’s substitute and sixteen-year-old debutante Andrew Benbow put the league leaders two ahead.

The Redbacks were also denied late as Patrick Wand was given a chance from the spot, but the penalty was saved by Hamilton to keep Cooks Hill’s two goal advantage, and all three competition points.

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Elsewhere on Saturday, Singleton scored a point against Belmont Swansea at Blacksmiths Oval, with Hayden Nicol netting midway through the first half for the Strikers. Sean Matthews gave the Belswans the reply in the second half, and the match finished 1-all.

The other match played on the weekend was at Lyall Peacock Field, where a double for Brady Carr steered Kahibah to a 4-1 victory over the struggling Toronto Awaba Stags. The loss leaves the Stags in the cellar, while Kahibah move four points clear of the wooden spoon position.

All other matches were postponed due to poor weather, while South Cardiff had the bye.

TABLE: Cooks Hill (34), Thornton (23), Singleton (21), South Cardiff (18), Belmont Swansea (17), Cessnock, West Wallsend (16), Kahibah, Wallsend (12), New Lambton (9), Toronto Awaba (8).