Newcastle Thunder are back!

I'll get my moan out the way!

After what feels like an age, Newcastle Thunder finally play another league game tomorrow afternoon as they travel to an in form Swinton Lions side. The scheduling in League 1 is frustrating a lot of fans this season and I know it's not helped by the withdrawal of Cornwall. My take on it is there's too many free weekends in League 1 and this is frustrating for fans and I'm guessing clubs too. Clubs are in exactly the same situation as Thunder find themselves, going weeks without a home game sapping the ability to generate any income. I know we have three games in three weeks coming up, which will be welcome but the structure has to change for next season.

Heywood Road bound

Thunder travel to Swinton on Sunday afternoon to take on a Swinton team who have won three on the bounce and find themselves sitting third in a very competitive League 1. This season has seen them claim the scalp of North Wales at home, they'll be looking to continue this kind of form for the rest of the season and land themselves a place in the play-offs come September.

Thunder having had some time off has given Graham Steadman a chance to spend some time with this group and get to know what he's got to work with. The squad named includes the relative experience of Alex Donaghy, Evan Lawther, Tyler Walton and David Weetman. James Farrar, Myles Harrison and Brad Ward join the squad from York this weekend. I believe there's a lot of potential in this group and hopefully we can start to see the unquestioned effort transform into scores on the pitch. As ever, I'm completely realistic and don't expect Thunder to turn up and beat Swinton tomorrow, but as long as the lads are putting a shift in that'll do for me.

The rest of League 1

League 1 again sees some quality match ups across the board this weekend.

North Wales v Dewsbury

First play fifth in a match up that will see North Wales start as favourites. North Wales blew away Workington last time out and Dewsbury lost at a Keighley side who are finding form in the second half of the season. North Wales should take this one, but Dewsbury won't make it easy for them.

Goole Vikings v Whitehaven

Whitehaven lost to Swinton last time out and Goole are another team who are tough to play against and are doing really well on their first season in League1. They had an excellent win at Midlands in their last game and with results like that I have to back them in what will be a tight encounter against a tough Whitehaven team.

Workington v Midlands Hurricanes

Midlands are on the road to Workington and will be looking to build on a tight victory over Rochdale last week. Workington on the other hand will be looking to bounce back from defeat at North Wales. Workington is a tough place to go and I think they could edge out Midlands in what will be another tight encounter.