Newcastle Thunder v Goole Vikings and other League 1 thoughts

Sunday afternoon saw the return of rugby league to the north east with Goole Vikings visitors to Blaydon.

I thought Thunder gave a really good account of themselves against although a newly formed team, a team that has a lot of experience. In a first half where Thunder defended bravely, Goole got an early score down the right hand side. Thunder then had some pressure and were held up over the line, unfortunately from the next play there was a wayward pass which then led to a knock on. Thunder then did manage a score from an Alex Donaghy kick to the corner which was well taken in the corner above head height and finished. Goole scored another before the break but at half time 6-12 Thunder were well in the game.

Things boil over in the second half

Second half it looked as though Goole had been given a bit of a rocket and they came out with intent running hard and defending hard. Halliday scored a try in the far corner which Dickinson and the Thunder players thought he was in touch. From there the intensity of the game upped and eventually all 26 players came together with the captains warned. Thunder then got a series of decisions against them. Thunder did keep battling away and scored a couple more tries of their own. The game finished 16-34.

Thunder score their second try

For Goole, Holdstock carried hard and made good ground when he came off the bench. Thunder wise, I think the scoreline doesn't do the effort or performance justice this afternoon, the lads never stopped battling and Goole more than new they'd been in the game. They were committed in defence and ran hard making some good ground. The back three were very solid under the high ball with a tricky wind to contend with. I thought Josh Stoker carried very well and gave some real go forward in attack.

The seventeen who took to the field for Thunder this afternoon never took a backwards step, played for each other and the badge and Goole more than new they'd been in a game. I'm completely realistic about where things are at the moment and as I've said previously you have to take the result away and look at the positives from the performance. For me there was plenty to be positive about this afternoon.

Other League 1 games

Saturday night started in North Wales where they had a really good victory over Whitehaven to go top of the league. They do seem to be getting it right so far at Crusaders this season after a disappointing campaign last season.

Rochdale won at Dewsbury 18-32 as they also look to build some momentum, that win takes them up to fourth. Although three points separate Workington in seventh and North Wales at the top!

Thunders Magic Friday opponents had a strong win over Swinton at home 32-12. They'll be another team turning up at Blaydon with confidence after a derby victory over Whitehaven and today's victory.

Next for Thunder

I don't think anyone needs any reminders, but Friday night sees us kick off Magic Weekend with a 19:30 kick off against Workington. If you haven't been down to Blaydon yet please do. Under Chris Thorman's guidance this group are giving everything for the club and the more people attending the more can be put into the club.