Thunder's lightning start in win over North Wales Crusaders

Seven days after they were beaten 116-6 by Widnes Vikings, Crusaders suffered a 90-0 reverse at the hands of Newcastle Thunder.

It was always going to be a tough clash for Mike Grady’s charges, up against a Newcastle outfit that sits second in the Championship table.

Thunder were lightning out of the blocks as they quickly moved themselves into the lead.

Andy Djeukessi produced a break on the right and he passed inside for Will Roberts to grab the first try under the posts, with Myles Harrison adding the extras.

More points were to follow under the Colwyn Bay sun for the visitors, with Roberts getting on the end of Jordan Lipp’s chip ahead for the next try.

Good work from Alfie Horwell set up the opportunity for Djeukessi for the next score and Harrison made sure of the conversion.

There was to be no respite for North Wales as Newcastle put the game to bed before the half-time whistle was sounded.

Roberts’ kick through was gathered by Lipp for the next try and this was swiftly followed by Ryan Jackson powering his way through to the line.

Djeukessi set up Jack Smith to go over for the next try and Harrison, who converted all three of these tries, kicked the extras to make it 34-0.

Ukuma Ta’ai barged his way over for a try and Djeukessi’s score made it 46-0 at the break.

Following a scrappy start to the second half, Newcastle reached their half-century with Lipp’s try, from Mitch Clark’s offload.

Lipp turned creator for Djeukessi’s hat-trick score soon afterwards, with Harrison again on the money with the extras.

Then, Brad Ward went in at the corner for an unconverted try.

There was another from Ward soon afterwards as he stretched out to claim a try, which was converted by Harrison.

He again added the extras to Djeukessi’s fourth try of the afternoon.

Clark, Jude Ferreira and Djeukessi would go on to claim further tries before the conclusion of the match.

This win keeps Newcastle within four points of front-runners London Broncos, who were able to preserve their unbeaten record.

It’s now 18 wins out of 18 for London, who grabbed a 62-4 win during their trip to tackle Salford.

Widnes continued their promising form with a comfortable 24-8 triumph in their home meeting with Barrow Raiders.

Midlands Hurricanes breezed to a 42-4 outcome at home to Rochdale Hornets, Sheffield Eagles defeated Workington Town 38-12 and Whitehaven swept to a 46-16 victory versus Goole Vikings.

Halifax Panthers prevailed 36-18 at Dewsbury Rams and Oldham got the better of their hosts Hunslet 60-16.

It was also a triumphant away day for Doncaster, who beat Swinton Lions 56-0.