A proper “game of two halves” today away at Gateshead. We ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline, but the second-half response from the lads was outstanding and showed exactly what this group is capable of when they back themselves.

The first half was a tough watch, if I’m honest. We were slow out of the blocks, confidence was severely lacking, and we conceded six tries without reply. It’s something we’ve seen before. We can be traditional slow starters, and if we don’t get that first try, heads can dip a little. That’s the big learning point from today: we need to start with belief and energy, regardless of who scores first.

The second half was a completely different story. The boys showed real character and we won the half 6 tries to 2. The effort went up a level, the determination was clear to see, and we started playing as a team, supporting each other, working harder off the ball, and making better decisions with and without it. That’s the standard we want to set from the first whistle, not the halfway mark.

On the scoresheet: Sam led the way with a brilliant hat-trick (3), with Charlie (1) and Leon (2) also getting over the line.

Players of the Match:

Cameron – for that moment: an unbelievable run where he boshed through six players and somehow sat two of them down on the way. Proper power and intent.

Sam – a deserved hat-trick, showing hunger, good lines, and confidence to take chances.

Lucas – for pure determination. Kept going, kept competing, and set a great example when we needed it most.

Plenty to learn from the first half, but even more to be proud of in the second. If we can bring that second-half attitude from minute one, we’ll be a very hard team to play against.

Well done lads.