In a high quality contest, neither side gave an inch, but in the end, it was the home side who found another gear in a frenetic final 10 minutes.

Hooker Phil Bradford, one of a host of players back from the Hunter Wildfires, scored a double for the Two Blues.

It was memorable night for Wanderers captain Ben Ham who made his 100^th first grade appearance. Former captain Luke Sherwood was also promoted to starting side at halfback in his 300^th club game.

Both were instrumental in the victory. Ham didn't stop, while Sherwood produced a typically whole-hearted performance before replaced early in the second half.

Merewether were led by Nick Dobson, Lachy Miller, Lachy Milton and halfback Eli McCulloch.

In a game that ebbed and flowed, both sides landed early penalties.

Bradford put the home side ahead from a driving maul in the 28^th minute.

With Wanderers reduced to 14 men after fullback Tim Marsh was sent to the sin bin, Merewether hit back on the stroke of half-time. Sam Rouse held up a ball for Ethan Fowles, who produced a spectacular dive in the corner to level at 8-all.

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Merewether introduced former Wildfires front-rowers Dave Puchert and Kye Marshall 15 minutes into the second half to great affect.

Along with Wildfires tighthead Nick Dobson, they demolished the Wanderers scrum first-up and six phases later in-form winger Chicky Sykiotis sliced through three defender to score. Sam Bright added the extras for a 15-8 lead.

Wanderers responded by injecting Southern Districts and NSW Waratahs prop Andrew Tuala and Wildfires prop Blair Rush.

The changes tipped momentum back in Wanderers favour. After sustained pressure in the Greens' quarter, Bradford dived over besides the post to level at 15-all with 10 minutes remaining.

Merewether were reduced to 14 men a minute later after Lucas Corrigan was binned for repeated team infringements.

Wanderers had their tail up. They won a penalty at a scum and then were held up over the line before Luke Simmons darted down the short side and send Barr over in the left corner.

Wanderers' win was a reverse of their first encounter which Merewether dominated 30-19 and moved the Two Blues above Hamilton (43 points) into first place on 45 points.

The defeat was Merewether's second. They remain in third on 40 points but have played two less games than Wanderers.

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