Thunder go down to Hurricanes and League 1 concludes

League 1 has reached its conclusion this weekend after a disjointed season that ended flatly due to the loss of the play-offs. In a season which saw Cornwall unfortunately withdraw from the league, teams will be in the main pleased to see the back of this season.

Hurricanes blow Thunder away

As I feared in my preview, this looked to have been a game too far for this young Newcastle group. Trailing 42-0 at half time, it could've been quite easy to give up, but to their credit they didn't. The final score was 58-4 with young winger Jake Dickinson grabbing a try. For Midlands, the win secured fifth place in League 1 and I think they'll be looking ahead to next season thinking they can cause some traditionally bigger clubs some problems.

I've already read some of the negativity and although I understand the frustration, people have to remember the bigger picture here. Against what a lot of people thought, this young group have got through the season with arguably some of the best team spirit in the league. Some of these lads are playing University rugby in the week while training and playing for Thunder. For those players, who are still learning the game these last couple of season will have been nothing short of a baptism of fire.

The club is run by volunteers who want to keep rugby league alive in the north east and for a second season we have achieved that. Yes, there will no doubt be lots of planning and work ahead of next season. But I for one can't wait, there is some talent in this group but they need time to develop and are learning in the hardest possible way!

Some things more important than rugby at Goole

I was pleased to read that following the abandonment of Goole v Workington that Jonty Gorley is on the road to recovery. after being taken ill at the game. It looks like those present did a brilliant job. The game was abandoned at 6-12, but some things are far more important than rugby.

Workington will be delighted with a second place finish and Goole have had an excellent debut season at this level.

Whitehaven shock the champions

Whitehaven stunned North Wales with a 28-24 victory in Cumbria. Credit to Whitehaven who showed up on home soil and didn't give the champions an inch, trailing 6-16 at half time they showed character to come back and take a welcome victory. North Wales have had an excellent season and are deserved champions and similar to Midlands, will be looking to take some big scalps in The Championship next season. Whitehaven, who have re-built finish in eighth place but will be better of with the exposure their players have had this season.

Rams take the spoils at Rochdale

Dewsbury had an excellent away win at Rochdale this afternoon. Rochdale led a tight encounter 18-14 at half time but a late Dewsbury try and conversion sealed a 32-36 victory. It's just a shame that play-off places weren't on the line. The result means Dewsbury finish fourth and Rochdale end up in sixth place. I think Dewsbury will take that and Rochdale will be a bit disappointed, it shows how tight the league is that a couple of points can have that impact!

Thank you from me

I just wanted to finish this with a thank you from me. I started this at the beginning of the season to give people a bit of an insight into my thoughts on Newcastle Thunder. I also wanted to use it as a platform to promote the club and rugby league in the north east, I honestly didn't know what to expect.

To everyone involved at Thunder, thank you. It's been tough at times, without doubt. But rugby league is alive in the region and I honestly believe that the club is in the best hands. We have people who care and there is a plan in place but we have to get the basics right first. I've enjoyed the banter on the sideline and the family feeling we have at the club, if you're a supporter who has waned then I'[d encourage you to come and get back involved next season.

To the League 1 fans and wider rugby league fans, I really have enjoyed meeting with and engaging with supporters of clubs. It's not easy and certainly hasn't been easy for any League 1 clubs this season and credit to everyone, the supporters I have come across have been really friendly and supportive of Thunder. That includes the wider rugby league public too, who in the main especially at Magic Weekend want to see rugby league thrive in the north east.

Next for me

I'll be covering Newcastle Red Bulls as they start their season next season on Friday night, in a new era for professional rugby union in the north east. Similar to my belief in Thunder, I know we're a football region but football isn't for everyone. If I can get more people involved in either rugby code in any capacity I know it will benefit them.

I'll cover anything that goes on with Thunder and will look to develop this next season as we embark on life back in The Championship, if anyone has anything they want me to cover then feel free to let me know!