A massive crowd, including many old boys were on hand for a ceremony before kick off to mark the end of Merewether's iconic home, the Green Room, which will be demolished on Monday.

A new multi-million dollar club room is close to completion on the other side of the ground.

"It was an emotional day. There were a lot of old boys and supporters there," Gill said. "We didn't handle the occasion very well. The opening 10 minutes, we were tight and the emotion got the better of the them."

After giving up an early try, Merewether responded to lead 24-10 at the break. They increased the gap to 31-17 and hung on grimly. Singleton scored with five minutes to go but a missed conversion took the wind out of their sails.

"The second half Singleton absolutely dominated us," Gill said. "Their energy and enthusiasm was way above ours."

Elsewhere Saturday, former Anderson Medal winner Dan Kevill returned as Wanderers overcame a plucky University 36-22 at Bernie Curran Oval.

After leading 19-0 early, the Two Blues trailed 22-19 at the break before finding another gear in the second half.

Maitland flexed their muscles in a 63-13 win over Southern Beaches at Ernie Calland Field.

At Bill Strong Oval, premiers Hamilton bounced back to form with a resounding 42-19 win over Nelson Bay.

Hamilton coach Scott Coleman was after a response after the Hawks were upset 24-12 by Wanderers last round and got it.

The visitors led by Tiueti Asi, Steve Lamont and Chris Ale led 22-0 at half-time.

Fly-half Chad Northcott sparked a revival by the Bay, who scored three unanswered tries to close to 25-19 with 25 minutes to play.

However, they lost breakaway Nathan Oliver to the sinbin and then lost their way as the Hawks powered home.