Newcastle Thunder took on Widnes Vikings at Kingston Park on Premier Sports’ Monday night fix.
It was a nervy yet exciting first-half with only Sam Halsall’s try proving the difference between both sides at the break after Warrington Wolves’ loanee Eribe Doro was sinbinned for a controversial incident for Newcastle.
Gideon Boafo stretched Thunder’s lead out to 10-0 before Adam Lawton grabbed one back for Widnes.
A Jake Shorrocks penalty made it 12-6 to Newcastle and that is how the scores remained.
Highlights
Sam Halsall’s flying finish for Newcastle’s first try was a joy to behold.
Gideon Boafo’s big hit on Matt Fleming had the former St Helens outside back in the advertising hoardings.
Talking points
1. Not a yellow card
Widnes’ Eribe Doro was sinbinned for something and nothing with a Newcastle forward as the Warrington loanee took the tackle. The two got up grappling, but Doro was bizarrely handed a yellow card by referee Aaron Moore.
2. Super League clubs should be watching
There were a number of stars from both sides who could do a great job in Super League, not least Newcastle’s winger Gideon Boafo and Thunder’s makeshift halfback Jesse Dee. More gems are ready to be found in the second tier to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Alex Walmsley and Chris Hill.
Player ratings
Newcastle Thunder
Craig Mullen – 9
Gideon Boafo – 9
Isaac Nokes – 7
Sam Halsall – 8
Abbas Miski – 7
Jake Shorrocks – 8
Jesse Dee – 9
Ted Chapelhow – 7
Josh Eaves – 8
Mitch Clark – 7
Brad Gallagher – 8
Matty Nicholson – 7
Sam Hallas – 9
Substitutes
Lewis Peachey – 7
Connor Bailey – 6
Nathan Wilde – 6
Brad O’Neill – 8
Widnes Vikings
Jack Owens – 6
Matt Fleming – 6
Steven Tyrer – 7
Jake Spedding – 6
Ryan Ince – 7
Joe Lyons – 6
Matty Smith – 6
Owen Farnworth – 6
Matty Fozard – 7
Kenny Baker – 6
Sam Wilde – 7
Olly Davies – 7
Danny Addy – 6
Substitutes
Lloyd Roby – 7
Adam Lawton – 8
Eribe Doro – 5
Jack Wells – 6
