So here we are, the first game of the season is finally upon us, Gateshead away in the Northern Rail Cup. Who will be making the trip up to the North East? All pre-match predictions, in-match updates and post-match reaction in here.

I'll be there, prediction: Thunder 14-32 Eagles.

Ill be there, three others in my car. I never predict scores but we should win. I suspect Mark will try an experimental lineup.

I'll be going.

The Eagles don't have a brilliant records vs Gateshead but I'd be disappointed with anything less than a +12 point win.

Agree with Dr B about the line up - I just hope lack of match practice doesn't bite us on the backside

I would love to go but need a lift.

Does anybody have a spare seat in return for some currency?

I will be there slightly hungover after a night in Newcastle, should still convincingly beat Dr B. at darts before the game.

I checked out 60 the other day



My car is full im afraid bingy but im sure others will be going. If not its and easy run on the train.

Bit of interest below for those going



You might want to note that if your coming up for the game our tickets are cheaper if you ring the club office and book them first rather than just paying on the gate! 0191 4335710 or at least they were last year

Unfortunatly i wont be there,Asked the daughter of 6 what she wanted to do sunday,The Thunderdome or Ten Pin Bowling?

Checked out 60 what ? Women ?

Can't see anything on the official Thunderpants website about cheaper tickets if you book in advance - normal price is £15 for an adult.

There are some interesting stats on their last 3 games - Gateshead look to have conceded 240 points.

I checked out 66 for an 11 dart finish from 301 last week, went the T16 D9 route knowing the single would leave the bull, then promptly hit single and bull

worked out that it was an 82 three dart average, easily gets me into the BDO.

Can we get back to sporting matters and not pub games please

Ironic comment from a blade

Well, I wasn't far off.

Pretty ordinary performance to be honest but conditions weren't the best and it was our first run out. Menzie touched the ball four times, scored three tries and dropped it. We were 16-0 up at half time and it should've been more to be fair, defence was solid and we were quite content, second half was poorer though and we let them back into the game.

As an aside I'm actually surprised the game went ahead, just look at the state of the pitch:

Looking good for the rest of the season.....

We can't use this game as the conditions were truly awful and it mustve been near impossible to see any kind of distance. The game wasn't really one for great skill but our ability saw us through in the end. Whilst Gateshead lacked skill they made up for it in enthusiasm and effort. They've got the start of a useful side there and may cause some teams problems. Idve been in two minds myself wether to play the game given the conditions but no one wants to go up to Gateshead midweek. Ronnie did have a very inconstant game but speaking from experience it's very difficult to ref in those conditions. Next week should give us a better idea of how the team is gelling. Respect to the 23 hardy eagles who made the trip.

I havent dried out yet from the rain

Was a very wet one, I considered jumping into the Tyne to dry off

Agree with the above, you can't really draw any conclusions from 1 game, especially one played in these conditions. Allegedly the pitch was fine the previous day when Gateshead FC played on it but there was such heavy rain during the night and morning (as anyone who travelled up the A1 will testify) that there were large pools all over. It seemed for a while that the 2 guys with the squeegee mops were trying to obliterate the lines that the other groundsman was trying to put down.

I said I wasn't going to criticise referees as much so I will just say that it was a typical Rocket Ronnie show!

The new home shirt looked good from a distance – for the first 5 mins at least after which the design was masked by at the mud etc.

The staff on the gates were a bit disorganised!

Stop whinging!

Stop whinging!

can't help noticing that woods and cording were playing at st helens for shuddersfield, is this a sign of things to come??

The video is on the Thunder site. www.thunderrugby.com/article.php?id=3752 Will be on Eagles TV in August.................

The video is on the Thunder site. www.thunderrugby.com/article.php?id=3752 Will be on Eagles TV in August.................

Im still waiting for the guy's work commitments to finish so we can have the Barrow game from last July on Eagles TV, he must have one hell of a job

Not keen on that kit,Bit Hull KR ish,Surely the red and white stripes should be going vertical

More Leigh/Batley/Wigan.