Match Report: Newcastle Thunder v Doncaster Play-Off Semi Final

Newcastle Thunder were defeated by a powerful Doncaster side in the preliminary final on Saturday afternoon.

It was Thunder who started the liveliest with sets on the Doncaster line but excellent early defence kept the Tynesiders at bay. The early defensive efforts gave Doncaster confidence and they got themselves into the game starting to carry and looking for offloads.

On 14 minutes Bureta Faraimo got the first try of the game as he powered his way over from dummy-half to get the scoring underway and a 0-4 lead. On 21 minutes Faraimo got his second in a try scoring blitz that saw him get a first half hat-trick. Doncaster went wide and found Faraimo in the corner to go over and score, Connor Robinson was successful with his kick and Doncaster led 0-10.

Doncaster’s game was built on physical dominance and the ability to offload to open up space to cause Thunder’s defence problems. Faraimo got his hat-trick on 27 minutes, it was a clever move as Doncaster worked the short side smartly for Faraimo to go over, Robinson converted and Doncaster led 0-16.

The game threatened to boil over at times as the tackles were flying in, Doncaster were awarded a penalty from a high shot and Robinson slotted the kick to extend the lead to 0-18. Thunder then lost Kieran Hudson to a head injury as he went in for a tackle. The game continued with a play-off edge to it as the physicality continued, James Vela had a word with both captains towards the end of the half. Late on in the half, the excellent Robinson slotted a drop goal to take the half time score to 0-19.

Thunder carried hard in the first half with Bailey Antrobus, Mitch Clark, John Saga, Ryan Jackson and King Vuniyayawa all leading the carrying.

Thunder came out trying to play in the second half as they had in the first half but the story of the game was the things they tried didn’t come off, they’ll be frustrated with their error count as they caused Doncaster problems but frustratingly couldn’t finish the moves off.

Doncaster got the crucial first score of the second half on 52 minutes as Luke Briscoe chipped through to score, Robinson converted and Doncaster were well 0-25 ahead. On 57 minutes Doncaster played some nice offloading again and Connor Jones was the beneficiary as he went over to score, Robinson added the extras to take it to 0-31.

At this point it looked like Doncaster could run away with it but Thunder showed real character and came back. On 64 minutes, Jude Ferreira received the ball wide and powered his way over.

Thunder scored two further tries, Jordan Lipp sent Brad Ward over and Harrison converted. In the act of scoring Ward was taken late by Brad Knowles who received a yellow card and Thunder got an eight point try with Harrison slotting both kicks. Connor Robinson slotted a penalty to take the score to 12-31.

The final score came on the hooter as Thunder played some trademark loose play, it was chipped through and Will Roberts went over, Harrison converted to take the final score to 18-31.

Thunder showed character to come back but they’ll be frustrated with their performance. The day belonged to Doncaster who’s powerful, composed performance earnt their place in the final and we wish them well.

For Thunder it’s been a season of breaking records and watching some excellent rugby. This result shouldn’t take the gloss of what has been the best season Thunder fans have seen for many a year. Graham Steadman and his side have been a credit to the Thunder badge and given us so much joy over the 2026 season.

To our supporters and volunteers, thank you for your support this season and we look forward to 2027