Gateshead Thunder 6 Doncaster 22: Doncaster have defence to thank after returning with Gateshead victory

Doncaster put in an unconvincing performance on Tyneside, particularly in the first half, on their return to action after a two-week break.

The Dons took an early lead through Scott Spaven who crashed over from dummy half but were then poor with ball in hand, rarely threatening the home line.

Bottom markers Gateshead soon replied with a try from on-loan York winger Danny Wilson on his return to the Thunderdome.

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Indecision from former Gateshead back Stewart Sanderson was punished but another solid defensive display ensured it was to be the only touchdown conceded.

A Ryan Clarke penalty seconds before the hooter gave Thunder, who had won only once in their previous 40 league and Northern Rail Cup games, parity at 6-6.

The Tyneside outfit had grown in stature as the Dons went backwards, unable to get any cohesion to their game and coming up with error after error.

There was little improvement after the break though Chris Spurr darted over after the ball had been worked to the right to reclaim the lead again for Doncaster.

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The Dons should have given themselves breathing space when a Spaven bomb was spilt by Ash Wlliams but Michael Coday was unable to capitalise.

Another Williams fumble under the high ball, this time from Craig Fawcett, however, saw Coday’s converted 69th-minute try open up a 10-point lead.

Thunder, who rarely threatened after the break, were then denied a losing bonus point in the last minute when Nev Morrison converted Spaven’s long pass.

Gateshead Thunder: Stevens, Williams, Brown, Mitchell, Wilson, Bate, Claire, Cakacaka, Young, Payne, Kelly, Cash, Omara. Substitutes: Welton, Parker, Stoker, Peers

Doncaster: Butterfield, Sanderson, Coday, Morrison, Potts, Spaven, Fawcett, Crawley, Emmett, Jampson, Robinson, Spurr, Edwards. Substitutes: Kesik, Hughes, Scott, Carbutt

Referee: M Kidd (RFL).