MATCH REPORT // Newcastle Thunder 30 v 12 Whitehaven RLFC

Newcastle Thunder made it back-to-back home wins after seeing off a determined Whitehaven at Kingston Park.

The home side led 14-0 at the break in the Betfred Championship Round 18 clash, showing resilience in defence and determination in attack.

After an evenly matched first 15 minutes, Thunder broke the deadlock through some impressive play by prop forward Mitch Clark.

Clark broke the line and was supported well by Jay Chapelhow, who collected the inside ball to run in from 30 metres out unopposed. Jack Miller converted the score from in front of the posts, making it 6-0 to the hosts.

Ill-discipline from both sides meant a very stop-start next 12 minutes before half-back Miller opted to extend Thunder lead, adding a penalty on 27 minutes. The tie now stood 8-0 in Thunder’s favour.

Twin brother of the opening scorer, Ted Chapelhow was next to get on the scoresheet. A simple finish this time around, powering over from close range. Miller added the extras taking the score to 14-0, which ultimately proved to be the last score of the half.

Starting the second half as they did the first, Thunder were first to open the scoring through Gideon Boafo. Some neat hands opened up the space for the winger to dive over in the corner. A perfect way to celebrate your 50^th career appearance.

Miller was this time unable to convert from the touchline and Thunder’s lead now stood at 18-0.

It was Whitehaven who showed their worth next with a quick-fire double just past the 50^th minute mark. Crossing first through George Hill, who powered over from close, and secondly through Jake Carter who neatly collected a kick-through to dot down.

Full-back Josh Rourke converted both tries and the tie was now 18-12 in Thunder’s favour.

Little scoring action would take place until four minutes from the full-time whistle but there was plenty of drama on the field, with ill-discipline and poor errors seeing both sides go close but unable to get over the line.

It wasn’t until the 76^th minute when Thunder secured the vital two points, they needed to help in their relegation battle. Mitch Clark, who had been ferocious in his carries, broke through from 10m out to score under the posts. Miller converted and with less than two minutes to play, Thunder led 24-12.

It wouldn’t be the final score of the game, as Jay Chapelhow secured his brace right on the hooter. Showing his pace, the prop-forward exploited a gap, breaking through from mid-way in the Whitehaven half to score. Miller was successful with the final kick of the game, which ended in a 30-12 Thunder victory.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Jay Chapelhow 2, Ted Chapelhow, Gideon Boafo, Mitch Clark.

GOALS: Jack Miller 4.

PENALTY GOALS: Jack Miller.

SINBIN: Mitch Clark.

WHITEHAVEN RLFC SCORERS

TRIES: Goerge Hill, Jake Carter.

GOALS: Josh Rourke 2.

Attendance: 1284