Thoughts post-Dewsbury, the rest of the League 1 action and a look ahead for Newcastle Thunder

Dewsbury v Thunder

Good Friday turned out to not be so much of a good one for Newcastle Thunder.

I wrote my preview before the squad was announced and then in the context of things, arguably Thunder's three most experienced players were unavailable. Given the relative inexperience of this squad at this level to then be without captain Alex Donaghy, powerhouse centre Evan Lawther and forward Tyler Walton is a huge blow. Although in rugby league terms even these players still have a lot of growth in them, they are the core of this very young Thunder team.

Alex's pace has caused problems already this term and we all saw the problems that Evan caused last season to defences in the league, for Tyler he is that bloke to potentially lead the forwards. Without these three it's always going to be more difficult.

To the game and Thunder were playing catch up and went in 40-0 down at half time. To this young team's credit they came back out second half and showed more fight in the scoreline. Although the score finished 52-6, they could've imploded and they didn't. Dewsbury fans seemed a bit frustrated that they didn't kick on in the second half but Thunder must take something from that. Credit to Dewsbury on their victory and we look forward to welcoming the Rams to Blaydon in August.

I know I emphasise every week how this is a young squad, but that's because it genuinely is, we have lads playing University rugby and then stepping up to League 1. They're learning with every training session and game and in my mind there's no one better in the region to learn off than Chris Thorman.

Chris and this young squad have to take a lot of credit, they really are doing it tough at the moment but whenever I see them there is a genuine togetherness with this group and they want to play for the club and keep rugby league in the north east. For us supporters, it's really important we keep getting behind the team and promote not just rugby league but the club. I know we have some volunteers who are working very hard and giving up their free time for what us supporters wanted to keep rugby league alive, personally I'm really appreciative of it. It is a proper backs against the wall job at the minute but as a club let's continue to stick together and back everyone involved in our club.

The rest of league 1

As ever, I was off with some of my predictions! I did say there would be some close games though so was right there.

Rochdale took a one point win 8-7 as the hornets stung the lions. This was always going to be a tight affair and a victory for Rochdale even at this early stage keeps them in touch with the top end of the league.

There was another tight game in Cumbria as Workington edged out Whitehavewn 10-8 to take the derby day spoils. This is a really good result for town and they'll be hoping this helps them kick on a bit. I did say anything can happen in a derby game!

Result of Good Friday for me though goes to Goole Vikings, they went to Keighley and got their first ever league win. Congratulations to the Vikings! As for Keighley, I just can't work out what's going on there, every week I think they'll come good and they just don't. I don't think anyone had them down to be zero wins from six games.

Easter Saturday has brought us a big game in Birmingham where North Wales will be delighted to be heading home with an 18-31 victory despite losing 12-4 at half time. That's a big result for Carl Forster's side.

After this weekend Hurricanes sit top on nine points but then Whitehaven, North Wales, Dewsbury and Swinton all sit on eight points. Crusaders have two games in hand on the rest. League 1 is going to go down to the wire this season, you can feel it even at this early stage.

Up next for Thunder

I'm going to say it, I think the next two weeks are the biggest for north east rugby league since Thunder re-started last season. Next Sunday sees Goole Vikings bringing their longboat up the Tyne, they'll arrive full of confidence following their excellent win at Keighley. It's a 15:00 kick off at Blaydon and your support is appreciated.

Magic Friday

In the second part of the big next two weeks for Thunder, Magic Friday comes to Blaydon. This is our chance to showcase rugby league in the north east to those fans visiting the city. Given we've lost a home game later in the season the club needs to maximise income at any opportunity and this is the biggest opportunity we have. As fans we can do our bit, share anything on social media and mention it when speaking to people, the more we can do the bigger impact it can have on the club.

As fans, let's enjoy the occasion and stick together. When we reformed we knew it wasn't going to be an easy journey, continue to get behind the team and remember this is our team. The lads who put on that shirt give everything every time they cross that line, continue to back them.