Stanningley - Challenge cup

[Matt H]

Yes it's another away game! But at least it's not a familiar L1 or Champ side.

Had to Google to find out who/where they are., Seem to be quite a strong side at their level, hopefully give us a decent challenge. Lighthowler is an ex-player of theirs, I'm sure he'll be desperate to get fit for it.

Hope to get down there and see a Thunder win on the road and maybe, just maybe a home tie in the next round. 

[Phil W]

I had to have a look as to where Stanningley is aswell!

One thing's for sure this will be their cup final and they'll be well up for it. Going into the complete unknown it's a dangerous game for us.

Hopefully a win and a home tie next round. Looking on Twitter, Whitehaven fans not enjoying a trip to London!

[Matt H]

17 hours ago, Phil W said:

I had to have a look as to where Stanningley is aswell!

One thing's for sure this will be their cup final and they'll be well up for it. Going into the complete unknown it's a dangerous game for us.

Hopefully a win and a home tie next round. Looking on Twitter, Whitehaven fans not enjoying a trip to London!

|The fans may not be enjoying it, probably more of a disaster for the directors given their financial issues. A trip to London will be an expense not budgeted for, not to mention the trip to Toulouse this weekend. Thankful for Mr Kurdhi keeping Newcastle Rugby afloat

[Phil W]

Looking to try and get down to Stanningley if I can on Saturday, although with the forecast this week could be a bit of a heavy pitch!

[Matt H]

It was a very heavy and sticky pitch. They did well to clear the snow as there was a lot on the surrounding hills. Stanningley came out with a game plan to disrupt us by being aggressive and we held our heads (Young did get sin binned). First half we looked good, really like the Miller / Williams combo. 4-40 at the half. Lots of missed kicks with Williams taking over the duties not Nikaus day, the pitch and a very muddy ball not helping.

Thunder made changes for the 2nd half and Stanningley came out committed to hold us. We dropped a few passes and this let the home side in a few times. But right at the end Thunder let flow finishing 16-58.

Lots of fun with the scoreboard, they missed Millers conversion on the Hooter first half(gone for a Bovril?) so had half time score 4-38, the missing2 continued thru the 2nd half. The score went to 4-44 , but they must only have 2 4's so showed 4-4. They at the end they tried to correct the missing 2 points and showed 16-59 ...... not sure where the drop goal came from.

Anyways good day out, good fans, fab little ground and really looking forward to the next round...can we have a home draw please?

[Phil W]

Thanks for that write up Matt, couldn't make the rearrangement unfortunately. But looks like a good work out and good to be in the hat and hopefully a home draw tomorrow!