Match Report: Newcastle Thunder v Rochdale Hornets Betfred Championship Round 16

Newcastle Thunder produced a fine display of attacking rugby as they scored seven first half tries to blow Rochdale Hornets away. This was a performance built on powerful carrying from Thunder to create space for the backs.

It was a cagey start as both teams went through sets but Thunder scored first as Pemberton and Clark kept the ball alive and Jordan Lipp went over for a score, Myles Harrison converted to give the Tynesiders an early 6-0 lead. On ten minutes Thunder doubled their tally for the afternoon as Brad Ward took a bounce pass from Sam Cook to score in the left corner.

Thunder's third try of the afternoon came as Ward pounced on a loose ball and ran close to the line but Max Flanagan did well to catch him, Jack Smith darted over from dummy half to score, Harrison converted to extend the lead 18-0. On 29 minutes, Rochdale threatened the Thunder line but defence turned into attack and Brenden Santi went over from close range, Harrison converted and the Tynesiders were well on top.

Ward grabbed his second of the match shortly after as Lipp found him to go over on the left, Harrison converted to take the score to 28-0. There was still time for two more tries before half time for Thunder as Lipp broke and found Smith who ran in from half way to score his second of the afternoon, Harrison converted.

The final score of the half came as Lipp turned provider again to find Will Roberts to go over, Harrison converted to give the Tynesiders a convincing 40-0 half time lead. Rochdale had one last time to threaten but Thunder held them up over the line on the last.

The second half was a more cagey affair, Rochdale came out to prove a point and attacked with intent but Thunder held them out.

Andy Djeukessi scored his first of the game after another assist from Lipp, Harrison missed the kick. There were further tries from Thunder as King Vuniyayawa showed his power with a hit and spin to score, this was followed up shortly after as Bailey Antrobus powered over from close range.

Vuniyayawa doubled his tally for the afternoon after excellent work from Will Roberts to keep the ball alive and Vuniyayawa went over to score.

The try of the game came on the hooter as Thunder had a scrum in their own half, the ball came to Andy Djeukessi who beat a couple of defenders to score from his own half to give Thunder a comprehensive 66-0 victory.

This was a victory built on the powerful running through the middle of Ryan Jackson, Brenden Santi, Mitch Clark and Brenden Santi who were outstanding for Thunder. Rochdale had their moments and were unlucky to not score a try as they were held out by the hungry Thunder defence who nilled their opposition for the second week in a row which will be one of the most pleasing things for Graham Steadman as we get towards the business end of the season.

by Phil World