NEWCASTLE THUNDER 10 WHITEHAVEN 28
SEBASTIAN STERNIK, Crow Trees, Sunday
WHITEHAVEN produced a clinical performance to pick up a sixth league win of the season – but they were made to work hard by spirited Newcastle.
This was Thunder’s 43rd straight defeat, although one of their best displays of the campaign.
The visitors made a flying start and almost took the lead in the second minute. The ball was worked wide, with Jordan Burns finding Max Anderson-Moore down the right. The winger seemed destined to score, but lost control just before the line.
Whitehaven eventually got the opener in the tenth minute. They probed Newcastle’s defence until Jordan Thomson powered his way over. Dan Abram converted.
Thomson was back on the scoresheet 15 minutes later, with the prop once again forcing his way in and Abram adding another goal.
Newcastle, who had identified this fixture as one they could potentially win, battled back into the game shortly before the half-hour mark, with Alex Donaghy breaking through and going over after a 50-metre sprint. The stand-off improved his own try.
Just moments later, Newcastle had another glorious opportunity. A big drive from Donaghy opened up gaps in the Whitehaven defence. Jake Dickinson tried to capitalise with a grubber kick, but couldn’t quite get to the ball in time.
Newcastle continued to go on the offensive, shifting the ball from left to right, but without much luck.
Whitehaven then attacked, a kick from Joe Lowe went unclaimed, and Connor Holliday picked up the loose ball and punted it deep into the danger area, with Anderson-Moore winning the race and touching down for 16-6.
Just before half-time, Whitehaven had a further opportunity to boost their lead. Jay Weatherill made a huge break and seemed sure to score, only for Dickinson to show great defensive desire by catching him up and tackling.
Whitehaven came out rejuvenated after the break and immediately put more points on the scoreboard.
They parked on the Newcastle try-line, with Daniel Spencer-Tonks eventually forcing his way over from close range and Abram converting.
Newcastle tried to fight back and once again closed the gap as Alfie Horwell squeezed his way through from dummy-half.
The hosts had no problem creating opportunities, but the young side were simply unable to make the most of them.
Whitehaven did well to weather another storm before finishing the match in style. This time Jake Pearce got on the scoresheet, spinning his way over from close range with Abram notching the goal.
GAMESTAR: Whitehaven forward Jordan Thomson scored two tries and was a threat throughout the game.
GAMEBREAKER: Daniel Spencer-Tonks’ try early in the second half gave Whitehaven a commanding lead.
MATCHFACTS
THUNDER
1 Brad Ward
2 Leo Bradley
5 Sean Croston
3 Evan Lawther
4 Jake Dickinson
6 Alex Donaghy
7 Elliot Shaw
18 Harry Price
9 Will Lintin
8 Woody Walker
11 George Birch
12 Alex Taylor
13 Tyler Walton
Subs (all used)
14 Alfie Horwell
15 Seth Clapham
16 David Weetman
7 Tobias Gibson
Tries: Donaghy (27), Horwell (52)
Goals: Donaghy 1/2
WHITEHAVEN
6 Dan Abram
5 Jay Weatherill
1 Jordan Burns
4 Ethan Bickerdike
22 Max Anderson-Moore
31 Joe Lowe
7 Jack Newbegin
8 Jake Pearce
9 Ellison Holgate
10 Jordan Thomson
11 Connor Holliday
19 Rio McQuistan
13 Jack Kellett
Subs (all used)
24 Josh Blinkhorn
16 Brad Brennan
21 Ellis Nixon
17 Daniel Spencer-Tonks
Tries: Thomson (10, 25), Anderson-Moore (36), Spencer-Tonks (42), Pearce (70)
Goals: Abram 4/5
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-12, 6-12, 6-16; 6-22, 10-22, 10-28
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Thunder: Alex Donaghy; Whitehaven: Jordan Thomson
Penalty count: 6-2
Half-time: 6-16
Referee: Andy Sweet
Attendance: 600