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Swinton Lions 20 Gateshead 36

Jeff Tyldesley
8/ 5/2008

AN INJURY-ravaged Swinton Lions side could have no complaints after losing to National League Two play-off rivals Gateshead Thunder on Bank Holiday Monday.

Notoriously poor travellers Gateshead looked much the better side on the day as they leap-frogged Swinton into fifth spot in the table. But the Lions were severely restricted by their crippling injury list. It left them bereft of around a dozen first team players, including Phil Wood, Andy Saywell, Adam Bibey, Wayne English and Darren Gibson.

However, Gateshead can only play what is put in front of them and they put in a thoroughly impressive and efficient display of rugby league.

Their big pack laid the platform for the away win and half backs Neil Thorman and Dan Russell weaved the magic, particularly with the ball at their feet.

As a result of Swinton’s injury problems, the Lions handed debuts to ex-Swinton stand off Tommy Frodsham’s son Chris, who has been signed from Thatto Heath, at full back and Ben Williamson, who has returned to the club from Langworthy Reds, in the centres.

Both players performed well but Frodsham was particularly impressive, grabbing two tries in a fine all round display.

Prolific full back Stuart Kain touched down to give Gateshead a third minute lead but his opposite number Frodsham hit back for Swinton when his cutting running led to a debut try 12 minutes later.

After Thunder’s Dean Jamieson had twisted over the whitewash with a trio of tacklers on him, Frodsham turned provider for Swinton. His superb pass enabled Marlon Billy to cross in the corner.

Swinton winger Barry Hamilton was then placed on report for a tackle that prevented Kain from racing in for another try.

But, after Frodsham and Martin Moana had come close to scoring for Swinton, Kain was not to be denied following Ryan Clarke’s speedy play-the ball.

A scrum then allowed Martin Moana to drift across the Thunder line. No one approached him and once again Frodsham swooped on a gap like a vampire bat to score his second try of the game and reduce Swinton’s arrears to 16-14 at the break.

However, Swinton’s victory bid petered out after Gary Hulse had failed to find touch with a penalty at the start of the second half. Danny Wilson punished the home side with a try and further Gateshead scores were added by Kevin Neighbour, Stewart Sanderson and Kain, who completed his hat-trick.

Swinton toiled away in an attempt to obtain a losing bonus point. But they only troubled the scoreboard on one occasion in the second half with Bruce Johnson’s bullet pass sending Gareth Hayes in for a 72nd minute consolation try.

Team: Frodsham; Hamilton, Brand, Williamson, Billy; Hull, Hulse; Hayes, Sykes, Tyrer, Rigby, Moana, Ashall. Subs used: Hawkyard, Smith, Jones, Johnson. Tries: Frodsham (2), Billy, Hayes. Goals: Brand (2). Attendance: 340.