Newcastle Thunder v Workington and League 1 round up

I'm a bit later with a write up following Thunder v Workington and the other League 1 results as I spent the rest of the weekend at Magic, more of that in another post!

Anyway, to Friday night. I turned up at Blaydon a bit nervous for this one, I know what this group can do and they've stuck with it in difficult times and ultimately deserved to play in Thunder's biggest fixture of the season. The main reason I was nervous was because I wanted them to do themselves justice.

Off the pitch, I thought the club did a really good job with decent numbers in hospitality, a pitch side bar and it was also great to see clubs working together. It shouldn't go unnoticed that Workington did a lot to promote the game and they also got a little bit of money for every ticket they sold. When clubs cooperate and work together it benefits everyone, Workington were able to benefit from a strong support and it helps Thunder to get more people through the gate.

Newcastle Thunder v Workington Town

When I arrived people were taking in the sun on the decking having drinks and it was good to see. Pre-match I expected Workington to turn up with some big runners and sure enough they did. When Workington brought on their bomb squad including Jamie Doran who ran the game really well, his experience shone through and Grant Reid who was outstanding carrying hard it really changed the game. Thunder couldn't match that physicality and the big runners through the middle then created more space out wide and holes in defence for Workington to score.

Atiga looks a real find for Workington, his pace and power caused no end of problems for Thunder. Thunder went in at half time 0-20 down with Workington scoring and converting on the hooter. In the second half it looked as though the physical efforts of trying to compete with Workington had really taken their toll and the final score was 0-62.

At the full time whistle you could tell everyone was down and frustrated, it's important as a club that we stick together, pick ourselves up and we go again. This young group will learn every week and if you look at some of the players missing especially in Lawther, Walton and Lowery there's some carrying ability that we're missing.

One thing that did strike me was against Goole it got a bit fiery and they knew we weren't taking a backwards step on our patch, it seemed to be a bit lacking on Friday night. I want us to get into teams faces and make sure they know they're on Thunder territory, that fires the players up and it showed against Goole when that happens it gets a reaction from the other players on the pitch.

There's no complaints from me on Worknigton, they turned up and did an absolute job on Thunder and were well worthy of their victory.

Finally, again I'd like to thank the volunteers at Thunder that worked extra hard for Friday night to take place, Blaydon Rugby Club again for hosting us and then the supporters of all clubs including Workington for their support and turning up. Thunder may not have given the best account of themselves but the support really is appreciated.

Other League 1 round up

Rochdale did a job on Goole on Saturday, they're starting to find the form that served them well for the majority of last season as they came out 50-6 winners against Goole.

I'd tipped North Wales to win at Swinton but credit to Swinton as they took had a fought victory 26-20 in another one of those games that shows just how competitive this league is.

There was also a cracker in Cumbria as Whitehaven and Dewsbury shared a 24-24 draw again showcasing League 1 at its best.

Up next

For Thunder there's a week off next weekend before a tough trip down to North Wales. But there are some cracking games next weekend, Saturday sees Midlands go to Rochdale. As I've said Rochdale are hitting the form we know they're capable of and Midlands will be looking to go again after a disappointing defeat to North Wales at home in their last game. Sunday sees a Keighley side desperate for a win host an on form Workington team and Goole travelling to Whitehaven.