Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: Newcastle Thunder v All Golds

Newcastle Thunder coach Stanley Gene was very disappointed with his side’s defeat at Swinton Lions last week.

“What I was so frustrated about was that the team knew where they were going to come from but we just didn’t defend it,” he said.

“They found some grit to work their way back to a score line of 32-34 but the two tries at the end killed us. When you play a quality team like Swinton you don’t give them a 20-point start.

“On paper you could say we should win against Gloucester but it’s harder for a coach to prepare for a game against teams below you. Mentally we’ve got to focus really well.

“Gloucester have been putting on some good shows and they’ve got some very good players and coaching staff down there so we’re not going to take them lightly but we definitely want to bounce back. The league’s getting very close and the more games you lose the harder it gets.”

Lee Greenwood, the University of Gloucestershire All Golds coach said: “We put ourselves in a winning position against Hemel last week and looked in control but we just sort of panicked and were trying to score on every set we had.

“Sure enough Hemel got a couple of chances and took one of them. It was disappointing but we live to fight another day.

“Newcastle are doing well, they’ve recruited well, brought some good Papua New Guinea players in but also used the link with Hull KR well to bring some good young lads in.

“We know it’s going to be difficult but we’re certainly not shying away from it and the players will give it their best shot.”