02 June 2022

Rovers shook off their Cup Final blues with a trip to full time Newcastle Thunder.  Brian McDermott named a strong side for the Thursday afternoon clash, Craig Kopczak, James Lockwood and Mark Kheirallah made way through injury for Tyla Hepi, Sam Eseh and Gareth Gale. Rovers started strongly, and a break from Luke Briscoe in the opening minutes of the game was well supported by Joey Leilua who picked Briscoe’s pass on the outside to open Rovers’ account for the afternoon.  A long afternoon looked to have been in store for the Thunder as Matty Wildie crossed the whitewash after eleven minutes. A tactical shift from McDermott saw Craig Hall replaced by Jack Bussey who duly slotted his first attempt at goal.  Sam Eseh also made his Rovers debut, replacing Luke Cooper midway through the first half. Newcastle clawed themselves back into the game with two unanswered scores as halt time approached.  The sides went into half time with only two points separating them.

Whatever was said at half time clearly worked, as a try from Ryley Jacks immediately after the break was quickly followed by scores from Morgan Smith and Jack Bussey.  Morgan Smith secured his hat-trick with a brace in two minutes as Rovers went through the gears.  A second from Ryley Jacks put the Rovers out of sight for the Thunder.  The cherry on top was a comeback try for Gareth Gale who used his size and power to collect a high ball before bullying his way past two Newcastle defenders.