Gateshead Thunder - Definition

Gateshead Thunder team shirt

Gateshead Thunder are a rugby league team from Gateshead in Tyne and Wear. They play their home matches at Gateshead International Stadium. The club was formed in 1999, though rugby league had been played in Gateshead for several years previously. Initially the club went straight into the top flight, playing in Super League.

After one years operation the club controversially merged with Hull Sharks, forming a new club, Hull FC. The new club was based entirely in Hull, and was widely seen as a takeover simply to allow Hull to remain in Super League.

The fans of the Gateshead club set up a campaigning organisation, Thunder Storm, to fight the "merger". Although this proved unsuccessful, it was the catalyst for a new Gateshead Thunder to be formed. This club currently play in the Rugby League National Leagues at League Two level.

Records

Player records

• Most tries in a match: 5 by Andy Walker vs London Skolars 22nd June 2003
• Most goals in a match: 11 by Ian Herron vs Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 5 September 1999
• Most points in a match: 26 by Ian Herron vs Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 5 September 1999

Team records

• Biggest victory: 66-6 vs Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 5 September 1999
• Worst Defeat: 110-12 at Salford City Red, 23rd March 2003
• Highest attendance: 6,631 vs Bradford Bulls, 16th May 1999

External links

• Gateshead Thunder official website (http://www.thunder-rlfc.co.uk)
• Thunder Storm (http://www.thunder-storm.co.uk) - supporters association

British rugby league links
Competitions Super League | National League | Challenge Cup | National League Cup National Conference League | Rugby League Conference
National teams Great Britain | England | Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Federations RFL | BARLA
Former competitions Championship | Premiership | Lancs/Yorks Cups | Lancs/Yorks League | Regal Trophy | Charity Shield | BBC2 Floodlit Trophy |