MATCH REPORT // Newcastle Thunder 16 v 36 Halifax Panthers

Newcastle Thunder suffer home defeat to Halifax Panthers on return to league action.

The hosts trailed 12-0 at the break but strong defensive efforts had kept the Panthers out on numerous occasions before the breakthrough on 17 minutes.

A well-structured attack allowed the Panthers to work the ball wide for scrum-half Joe Keyes to cross in the corner. Unable to convert his own try, Thunder trailed 4-0.

Despite going a try-down, Thunder fought hard and numerous individual breaks from the likes of Nikau Williams and Robert Tuliatu saw momentum swing in the host’s favour.

Errors would prove costly for North East outfit and they never capitalised on good pressure applied.

The ultimate punishment came just before half-time. Despite pressing and pushing the Panthers defence, working into a great position to score, Halifax winger Lachlan Walmsley intercepted to run in from his own half unopposed.

The vistors led 10-0, after Keyes converted the score and would get one final say in the half from a penalty on the hooter. Keyes slotted the kick and the score going into the break was 12-0.

The Panthers would show their class right from the off in the second half.

Fullback James Woodburn-Hall powered over from close range with 45 minutes on the clock to extend Halifax’s lead and with Keyes adding the extras, the hosts were 18-0 up.

Moments later the Panthers were in again through centre Zack McComb. Another well-structured attack opened the space on the outside for McComb to score in the corner. Keyes added the touchline conversion and the vistors now led 24-0.

Struggling to get a foothold in the game, Thunder would concede again in the 57^th minute. Hooker Tom Inman darting over from close range, just left of the upright. Keyes converting made the score 30-0 in favour of the visitors.

The next 15 minutes would see a revived Thunder score 16 unopposed points. On loan hooker Denive Balmforth crossed on 60 minutes after picking up from the base of the ruck. Nikau Williams added the extras to make it 30-6.

Winger Alex Clegg would add to his already impressive try-scoring record this season, with a score in the corner. Williams with an excellent assist in the build up but was unable to convert and the Panthers lead was now reduced to 20 points, 30-10.

Soon after James Chapelhow would add another for Thunder under the posts. An excellent line and excellent short ball allowed the prop-forward to go through unopposed. Williams added the extras and the score now stood at 30-16 with 6 minutes left to play.

It would be the Panthers however who had the final say of the match through Joe Keyes once more. Keyes burst the line to score underneath the posts. Converting his own try for the last play of the game, the final score finished 36-16 in favour of the Panthers.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Denive Balmforth, Alex Clegg, Jay Chapelhow.

GOALS: Nikau Williams 2.

SINBIN: Brad Gallagher.

HALIFAX PANTHERS SCORERS

TRIES: Joe Keyes 2, Lachlan Walmsley, James Woodburn-Hall, Zack McComb, Tom Inman.

GOALS: Joe Keyes 5.

PENALTY GOALS: Joe Keyes.

Attendance: 1067.