Oldham Roughyeds 40, Gateshead Thunder 16

Jun 30 2008 The Journal

GATESHEAD Thunder’s record-breaking nine-game winning run ended at promotion rivals Oldham who scored 20 points in each half to close the gap on the Tynesiders to four points.

Thunder, who scored three tries to Oldham’s seven, have been replaced at the top of Co-op National League Two by unbeaten Barrow who, like Oldham, have played a game less than Dave Woods’ side.

Thunder knocked-on twice in goal inside the first three minutes and, after Phil Joseph had been held up in goal, Neil Roden hit the line from five metres. Oldham increased their lead when James Coyle took on the defensive line to put Danny Halliwell through a gap.

The Roughyeds grabbed a third try, after Thunder had gone close at the other end, when Coyle set up Paul O’Connor.

Oldham had the better of the possession and territory but Gateshead gave themselves a lifeline when Ben McAlpine recorded a length-of-the-field try.

But a try four minutes before the break saw the home side regain the initiative.

Mick Nanyn had converted the first two tries but hit the post for the second consecutive kick as Oldham claimed a 20-6 interval lead. The home side’s completion rate had been more impressive and they made the game safe in the third quarter after McAlpine had been sin binned. Nanyn kicked a penalty and then, after a Thunder knock-on, impressive full-back O’Connor powered over.

The Roughyeds had a 22-point lead but Gateshead pressure brought a score for playmaker Neil Thorman.

Russell’s goal attempt hit the post and, when Nash conceded a penalty, Roden put O’Connor over for his hat-trick with Nash then sin-binned.

Rob Roberts scored Oldham’s eighth try before Stuart Kain put in McAlpine to score Thunder’s third try late on.

SCORING – Gateshead Thunder Tries: McAlpine (2), Thorman. Goals: Russell. Oldham Tries: Roden, Halliwell , O’Connor (3), Brooks, Roberts. Goals: Nanyn.

GATESHEAD THUNDER: Kain, Peers, Neighbour, McAlpine, Sanderson, Thorman, Russell, Payne, Smith, Cakacaka, Nash, Knowles, Jamieson. REPS: Suka, McPhail, Barron, Parker.

Referee: Dave Merrick (Castleford)

Attendance: 823