YORK CITY KNIGHTS 26 - 28 NEWCASTLE THUNDER

Newcastle Thunder rode out a committed fightback on Sunday afternoon as two tries from academy product Alex Clegg sealed a thrilling win at the LNER Community Stadium against York City Knights . 

The winger’s brace came either side of a three-try blitz from the Knights that allowed the hosts to wipe out a 20-point Thunder lead, but his second score 11 minutes from time proved to be decisive and secured a third win in four matches.

It was the Knights who made the first impression on the scoreboard after seven minutes, when they opted to kick at goal following a Thunder offside. 

There was a quick response from the visitors though as half-back Jake Shorrocks powered his way over the line on 14 minutes. 

Stepping through the Knights line, Shorrocks still had work to do as Will Jubb attempted to hold the Newcastle man up, but the former Wigan playmaker had enough strength to get to ground and get his side off the mark. 

There was plenty of effort from both sides through the remainder of the half with Newcastle arguably enjoying the better of it, as the Knights squandered their good ball in promising positions with handling errors. 

A strong carry from Ukuma Ta’ai gave Thunder the platform to score the second try at the close of the first 40, with a short pass from Evan Simons finding the supporting Owen Harrison with the on-load forward crashing over from close range. 

Newcastle began the second half the way they finished the first, as the Knights were punished for breaking the cardinal rule of rugby of never letting the ball bounce, with Thunder alert to the chance the mistake presented. 

As the hoisted fifth tackle cannoned back towards the visitors’ line, it was regathered before being flicked inside to Simons for a simple stroll in that was easily converted. 

When Clegg struck on the next set by backing himself down the wing and selling the final defender a superb dummy, the game was threatening to run away from the Knights, but they instead enjoyed a prolonged period on the front foot, which allowed them to get within just two points with 15 minutes to go. 

They started through Ryan Atkinson, who got through fastest to a well-placed Kieran Dixon grubber, before Chris Clarkson allowed the Knights to take back-to-back tries of their own with a step at the line. 

Finding profit from testing Newcastle with the high ball, try three came as Sam Scott scooped up a loose ball that the visitors lost forward in the air. 

With the Knights on a roll, Thunder were able to arrest the momentum when Sam Halsall forced a knock-on from the hosts on the floor after challenging for a well-placed Josh Woods high ball. 

From the repeat set, York deployed some impressive line speed as they attempted to disrupt Thunder’s fluency but instead opened the gap for Clegg’s crucial second score. 

Slicing through the space left by an on-rushing defender, Connor Bailey angled a kick to the wing perfectly with Clegg finishing off in style. 

It wasn’t the last word though, and when quick ball gave Perry Whiteley the chance to score a spectacular diving effort for the Knights with four minutes left, it set up a grandstand finish to a thrilling contest. 

But having to play from half-way as the hooter sounded ensured it was Thunder that took the win, moving up to eighth in the Betfred Championship table.

Newcastle Thunder 

27 Alex Donaghy, 2 Jack Johnson, 33 Sam Halsall, 3 Matty Wright, 18 Alex Clegg, 6 Jake Shorrocks, 7 Josh Woods, 15 Ted Chapelhow, 14 Evan Simons, 8 Nathan Wilde, 17 Connor Bailey, 11 Ukuma Ta’ai, 10 Kyle Trout, 16 Jay Chapelhow, 36 Owen Harrison, 30 Jake Anderson, 20 Cole Oakley

Tries: Shorrocks (14) Harrison (39) Simons (43) Clegg (44,  69)

Goals: Woods 4/5

York City Knights

5 Kieran Dixon, 22 Perry Whiteley, 3 Liam Salter, 4 Ryan Atkins, 2 Jason Bass, 23 Ben Jones-Bishop, 11 Chris Clarkson, 19 James Green, 9 Will Jubb, 10 Jack Teanby, 12 Sam Scott, 17 Dany Kirmond, 20 Tim Spears, 28 Dany Washbrook, 16 Marcus Stock, 21 Joe Porter, 8 Ronan Dixon

Tries - Atkins (52) Clarkson (56) Scott (63)  Whiteley (76)

Goals - Dixon 5/5