York see off Thunder’s challenge

Jacob Blades put Thunder ahead, hacking on and touching down amid boos for apparent knock-ons. Matty Beharrell converted.

Austin Bell finished strongly in reply, recalled half-back Benn Hardcastle booting the first of his seven goals from seven.

But a mistake by the otherwise excellent Ed Smith under the restart allowed Gateshead the chance to retake the lead, Esslemont scoring and Beharrell converting.

Colton Roche levelled again and set up the position for a Jack Lee try as the Knights effected a turnaround – with fit-again Iain Morrison and fellow prop Brad Brennan, in his last loan match from Batley Bulldogs, leading the charge.

A penalty awarded to Gateshead after Kris Welham’s set-to with Joe Pickets led to the visitors’ third try before half-time, Jason Payne the scorer.

But the second half belonged to York, with young Tyler Craig, the excellent Jack Aldous, Smith and Pickets scoring the tries.