A healthy crowd were on hand to see running rugby at its best, with both Ernst and Miller performing in a style that will cement their representative claims and give a huge boost to Singleton’s confidence this season.

In a much closer but equally entertaining encounter, Singleton defeated Southern Beaches 7 to 5 in the curtain raiser event. The main positives for Singleton were the strength and depth displayed in the backline.

Several players performed well, notably prodigal son Jack Fraser.

Jack has returned to Rugby Park this season and has hit the ground running with a solid performance in the inside backs.

Singleton’s points came from a barnstorming try to Andrew Walker who scored in the right hand corner.

Andrew powered over the line, carrying multiple defenders with him to tie the scores at 5 all.

The difference was then sharp shooter Mitchell Tanner.

From the sideline, directly in front of a very vocal clubhouse, Tanner struck the conversion sweetly and never looked like missing.

This was enough to continue an unbeaten preseason for the Bulls and perhaps enough to erase the trauma of last season on the super boot.

Of concern for the Bulls was consistency at the line out and structure at the breakdown, which will need to be addressed in coming weeks.

Singleton’s Colts performed well against the Parramatta Colts.

In an even game, Singleton performed admirably with only a couple of tries between the sides.

This weekend sees the annual Armidale Knockout upon us again.

Not since 2006 have the Bulls won this tournament, coinciding with their last semi-final appearance in Newcastle.

A foundation for the rest of the season can be laid in Armidale, with all tourists determined to continue the preseason form and bring home the cash.

With this in mind, it is expected the 12am curfew will be strictly enforced this year, with serial offenders likely to be monitored more closely than previous years.