Scorpions feel full force of Newcastle Thunder

DEFENSIVE lapses cost the Scorpions dear against a strong Newcastle Thunder side who ran in nine tries for a strong win to keep up the hunt for a top eight spot.

Scorpions now have one game left in the regular season, away at Coventry Bears, before the League 1 Shield begins

Thunder took the lead on six minutes. Aaron Teroi held up over the line but from the next play, Tom Reudiger scored near to the corner. The second came from the final play of a set when Reudiger ran through for his and Thunder’s second. Hardcastle converted to make it 10-0.

Scorpions struck back on 18 minutes when Richard Jones reached over the line when under pressure. Paul Emanuelli converted.

Thunder extended their lead on the half hour when Jason Payne was given too much space to score on his first game back this season from injury. Hardcastle converted. 16-6 at the break.

They went further ahead with the first attack of the second half, Derrell Olpherts running half the length of the field to score and Hardcastle improving.

Scorpions were leaving too many gaps in defence and Josh Kittrick ran over for his side’s fifth try before Reudiger added another.

Jamie Murphy got a try back with Emanuelli’s kick hitting the post but it was just brief respite as Reudiger ran from half-way for his fourth with Hardcastle again kicking the goal.

Scorpions fought back and Alex Davidson forced his way over with Emanuelli converting.

Newcastle, ran two more tries with Olpherts and Mikey Wood both crossing and Hardcastle converting both to bring up the 50.