It’s Knights’ afternoon as Thunder fail to convert possession

NEWCASTLE Thunder endured a frustrating afternoon against York City Knights at Kingston Park yesterday as the fell to a 16-26 defeat in Betfred League 1.

Despite enjoying lengthy spells of both possession and territory, Jason Payne’s side were unable to convert this into scores and were instead forced to see the Knights extend their winning run in the competition.

Thunder rode out early pressure but a mistake proved to be a suckerpunch, as the Knights went on to score on the subsequent set to break the deadlock.

Thunder bagged a deserved equaliser close to the half-hour mark thanks to centre Tuoyo Egodo.

Awarded a penalty for obstruction and starting a fresh set 10 metres from the York line, Newcastle laid the foundation for their opening try as half-back Lewis Young slipped his way out of a tackle iand worked the ball out to winger Ben Calland.

His positioning ensured Egodo was able to profit from a superb dive into the corner.

York were back in front when a delayed pass from Connor Robinson allowed Joe Batchelor the easiest of walk-ins before a penalty for dissent allowed the Knights to take an eightpoint lead into the break.

A frenetic opening to the second half saw an acrobatic second try for Edogo but Judah Mazive posted an instant responde.

A 10-point advantage looked like an imposing lead and the game was over as a contest with five minutes to play when Kieran Moss finished off another Robinson break, although Thunder were able to have the last word when Evan Simons scored a consolation try, after supporting a break from Edogo down Thunder’s left edge.