Newcastle Thunder v North Wales Crusaders match thoughts

Sunday afternoon saw Newcastle Thunder host North Wales Crusaders at Blaydon rugby club.

A depleted Thunder team took to the pitch but again despite the scoreline didn't back down against an experienced Crusaders side who will be pushing towards the top of League One this season.

Firstly, fair play to our visitors. I have a lot of time for those who follow their team especially in the lower echelons of the sport. Travelling from North Wales to Tyneside on a Sunday in February is to be applauded and the North Wales fans made themselves heard. As a club, I have a lot of time for what Carl Forster is doing and wish them well for the season ahead. I'd have liked to have made the trip in May but I'm unable to as I'll be running The Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds.

Anyway, to the game Thunder soaked up a lot of early pressure before conceding and going into half time 30-0 down. In the second half Thunder had chances to score but the impressive North Wales defence which was hungry and had excellent line speed kept Thunder out. North Wales continued to use their big carriers to punch holes in the defence and then create space outside to score.

Chris Thorman will have learnt more about this young group I thought Josh Stoker carried hard, Will Bate the squad father had a big impact when he came on. I have to mention Harry Price but in a huge shift playing out of position, and for a big stint only coming off to warm applause from the appreciative Thunder faithful in the last quarter.

For Thunder that's two games under our belt where the results aren't important as we build towards taking on Swinton Lions on Sunday 9th March. By that time, hopefully some of the injuries have cleared up and we see the benefit of our dual registration agreements with Bradford and Hunslet. What is key is the supporters understand the journey the club is on and continued to get behind the team this afternoon.

My final word goes to our visitors from North Wales, good luck in the next round against Goole (another long trip for them) and a safe journey back this evening. Hopefully we'll see you again when our paths cross in July.