Rochdale Hornets 58-16 Gateshead Thunder

Photo: Journeaux

Hornets 58-16 Gateshead Thunder

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Rochdale Hornets were way too powerful for Gateshead Thunder and recorded an embarrassingly easy victory in the Northern Rail Cup.

Within minutes of the kick off Hornets had Gateshead pinned back and were quickly on top with tries from Wayne English and Tommy Mackinson.

Gateshead pulled points back after the Hornets defence bungled to allow Gateshead in for a soft try.

Hornets responded immediately, Makinson intercepting to go over the line for his second try, converted by Crook.

The rest of the half Hornets dominated with possession almost exclusively in the Gateshead half and the pressure paid off when Gaz Langley scored in the corner. Converted from the touchline by Crook.

Chris Baines was first to react to a dropped ball, and dummied his way over to score under the posts. Crook again converting.

In the second half, Gateshead heads dropped and Hornets had players literally queuing to go over the line.

Good hands from Roper enabled Alex Trumper to score by the posts and the Gateshead's defence melted away as Foster barged over. Crook converted both tries.

Just when it looked like Hornets would have it all their own way, Gateshead intercepted in their own half and raced the full length of the field to touch down.

Makinson then showed his class as he cruised through the Gateshead defence to record his hat trick.

Gateshead managed another try in bizarre circumstances. With the Hornets defence stopping, convinced the ball had gone out of touch, Gateshead picked the ball up and touched down for a try and to the Hornets players astonishment, the referee awarded the try.

With minutes remaining, Danny Davis powered over the line to emphasise Hornets' superiority. Crook converted.