MATCH REPORT // London Broncos 56 v 10 Newcastle Thunder

Thunder’s struggle for form continues as they fell to a 10-try defeat at the hands of a clinical London Broncos side.

The hosts got off to a perfect start at the Kuflink Stadium, crossing twice within the first 10 minutes. Bill Leyland and Rob Butler were the scorers with Oli Leyland converting both tries.

After a frantic start which saw the Broncos pull two scores ahead, the tie became much more even and despite picking up some injuries, Thunder were next to score on 18 minutes.

Prop forward Jay Chapelhow powered over with Nikau Williams adding the extras.

The momentum wouldn’t last as the Broncos would soon strike back through Paul Ulberg.

The winger intercepted on his own 10m line, running the length of the pitch to score. Leyland converted once more, and the score now stood 18-6 with 22 minutes played.

Just past the half-an-hour mark, the hosts would be in for their fourth try of the afternoon. Fullback Alex Walker collecting an offload in the buildup to cross the whitewash. Leyland converted and the Broncos led 24-6.

On the stroke of half-time the Broncos would cross once more with Butler grabbing his second of the game. Leyland kept his 100% effort from the tee to convert and the hosts were 30-6 up, which proved to be the final score of the half.

London would begin the second half as they did the first crossing within the first 10 minutes. After a strong run from Ethan Natoli, back row Jacob Gannon powered home to dot down. Leyland unsuccessful from the tee this time left the score at 34-6.

Despite being unable to maintain his 100% record from the tee, Oli Leyland would be next on the scoresheet for the hosts, crossing for a try after some good handling in the build-up. Converting his own score, London now led Thunder 40-6.

A trio of Broncos tries would come before close of play, through Henry Raiwalui, Jordan Williams and a second of the game for Alex Walker. With Leyland converting two out of the possible three, the hosts led 56-6 with 10 minutes left on the clock.

A consolation try for Thunder came on the stroke of the full-time whistle through Connor Bailey. The conversion was unsuccessful, and the final score stood 56-10.   

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORES

TRIES: Jay Chapelhow, Connor Bailey.

GOALS: Nikau Williams.

LONDON BRONCOS SCORERS

TRIES: Bill Leyland, Rob Butler 2, Paul Ulberg, Alex Walker 2, Jacob Gannon, Oliver Leyland, Henry Raiwalui, Jordan Williams.

GOALS: Oliver Leyland 8.