MATCH REPORT // Barrow Raiders 18 v 18 Newcastle Thunder

Newcastle Thunder’s fifth away game in a row ends in a stalemate at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.

In what could be described as an edgy encounter away at Barrow Raiders, points were eventually shared between the two sides looking to move up the table.

It would be the home side who struck first, breaking the deadlock after 17 minutes. Second-row Jarrad Stack crossed in the corner following some good play in the buildup. With Ryan Shaw converting, the score stood at 6-0.

Thunder would then level the score just after the half hour mark through winger Alex Clegg, scoring his third try in as many games. Clegg collected a neat grubber kick through from Nikau Williams to dot down. Williams converted the score to make it 6-6.

Moments later Newcastle went on to extend their lead through centre Marcus Walker, scoring his first competitive try in Thunder colours. With Williams missing the conversion this would ultimately be the last word of the half.

A cagey first 40 but the quick-fire double saw Thunder lead narrowly at the break 6-10.

Barrow would strike first in the second half after just minutes on the clock. Half-back Jake Carter crossed after some quick hands in the build-up. With Shaw converting, the Raiders re-took the lead and the score was now 12-10 in favour of the Cumbrians.

An immediate response from the North East outfit saw Thunder once again move ahead. Nikau Williams finding space in the Raiders’ defence, running through to score a try of his own. Converting his own score, Williams put Thunder ahead 12-16.  

With 55 minutes on the clock and after pressuring the Thunder line, Raiders’ patience would prove it’s worth with Stack earning his second try of the afternoon, powering over from close range. Shaw’s conversion put the hosts in front.

With only 11 minutes left to play, Williams would level the score through a penalty. Opting for the two and successfully slotting the score was now 18-18, with 10 to play.

With no side able to capitalise on final opportunities, the fixture remained 18-18 at the final whistle with both teams walking away with a point.

The results sees Thunder move up to 11^th in the Betfred Championship Table.

A break from league actions is next up in the Thunder schedule as the club looks to get their Challenge Cup campaign off to a winning start at Stanningley SARLC next weekend.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Alex Clegg, Marcus Walker, Nikau Williams

GOALS: Nikau Williams 2.

PENALTY GOALS: Nikau Williams.

BARROW RAIDERS SCORERS

TRIES: Jarrad Stack 2, Jake Carter.

GOALS: Ryan Shaw 3.

Photography credit: Barrow Raiders RLFC.