Newcastle Thunder v Dewsbury Rams review and the rest of League 1

Newcastle Thunder v Dewsbury Rams

Dewsbury were worthy winners at Blaydon this afternoon with the powerful carrying of Dec Tomlinson proving too much for Thunder, this was backed up Jamie Gill carrying well off the bench and when Paul Sykes came on he was able to run the game how he wanted. Thunder battled hard and ultimately very similarly to last week and weeks before they ran out of steam after a huge physical effort to try and keep Dewsbury at bay.

As I've said Thunder worked hard defensively in the first half although didn't get to show much in attack. But they did battle and Dewsbury went into the break 28-0 up. I felt the continuity mainly in selection from last week helped and they looked more of a team, hopefully the continuity in availability can continue for the rest of the season.

Dewsbury Rams on the attack against Newcastle Thunder

In the second half Dewsbury did score some more tries but Thunder scored a couple of well taken tries of their own, one through Will Linton. The tries utilised the pace in the team. For Thunder I was impressed by Jacob Gannon who carried and worked hard. Sean Croston worked tirelessly especially defensively and Woody Walker carried hard. When Thunder scored their second try Dec Tomlinson was sent back on to steady the ship and tiredness told in the Thunder defence and more scores were added to leave a final score of 10-64.

What we are seeing is a group who despite scorelines look refreshed and are very much a team who stick together and look to be benefiting from what Graham Steadman is doing on the coaching side. In loose play Thunder took their tries well. As ever there was some frustrating errors from knock on's just after we'd worked hard to win back possession, that could be partly due to the effort being put in in defence. One thing I did notice is even if Dewsbury looked like scoring there was always someone chasing back. The biggest example of this when Dewsbury bombed a chance in the first half by overplaying yet Thunder scrambled and stopped a try being scored.

Next week sees Thunder travel to Keighley where hopefully the improved attack can continue.

As I said in my preview Bank Holiday Sunday is going to be a big occasion at Blaydon with York Valkyrie playing Wigan Warriors Women prior to Thunder v Whitehaven. This is an opportunity for the club to come together and show what we can do. It might require some extra help, so if the club does come asking then be prepared to lend a hand to make it a brilliant day of rugby league!

North Wales Crusaders v Swinton

Swinton put in a brilliant effort to do the double over North Wales this afternoon. They stunned Crusaders to go in 4-18 up at half time and although Crusaders pulled it back to 12-18 Swinton scored late on to secure a great victory on the road. A reslut that keeps them in second two points behind Crusaders, but crucially Crusaders have two games in hand. Next week Swinton travel to a Goole side who will be looking to put things right after a week off. Crusaders travel to Rochdale in what could be another tough encounter for them.

Rochdale Hornets v Whitehaven

Whitehaven made this game a lot closer than I thought it would be and fair play to them for that. They took a surprise 10-18 lead at half time but Rochdale took command in the second half to take a 36-32 victory. Whitehaven scored a couple of late tries to reduce the margin of victory. Rochdale sit in sixth crucially one point off Dewsbury and Midlands above them. A win against North Wales next week would be a huge statement next weekend and keep piling the pressure on those above. Whitehaven are in eighth, one point ahead of Keighley. Whitehaven might fancy taking advantage of Midlands long trip to west Cumbria next weekend.

Workington Town v Keighley Cougars

Keighley pushed Workington all the way this afternoon. Workington took control of the first half, leading 19-0 but hot and cold Keighley were hot in the second half and pushed Workington all the way eventually losing 25-22. The win keeps Workington in third, one point behind Swinton but they have a game in hand over the Lions. Workington travel to Dewsbury for what will be a tough clash next weekend. Keighley host Newcastle Thunder and will be looking to get back to winning ways and a win could take them up a place in the league.

This week in League 1

I believe there's due to be a meeting with Championship and League 1 clubs this week to hopefully come to an agreement on a plan going forward. This would be welcome news for clubs and supporters, I know supporters especially are frustrated by being an afterthought in the saga that is rugby league. Hopefully this week brings clarity!